Students arrive at Mason Crest Elementary School excited to learn.
Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April
Tuesday, April 21, is a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.
Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
Nine FCPS Projects Earn Grand Prize Award in 2026 Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased roughly 400 high school science projects. More than 640 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 250 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses.
Grand prize winners are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in April. Learn more about the nine FCPS projects that received Grand Prize awards.
Full STEAM Ahead: Students SPARK Science Projects
In her Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared that she met sixth grader Armaan from Lorton Station Elementary School at the school’s SPARK Expo. Then she returned to the school to talk to him for an Our Voices, Our Future video conversation.
Learn from Armaan about the Theory of General Relativity, the Einstein field equation, gravitational time dilation, and the quest to bridge the gap between relativity and quantum physics.
FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety
At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is one of our highest priorities — no matter the season.
FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Our decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.
Get Alerts from FCPS
Make sure your cell phone number is updated in SIS ParentVUE to receive alerts and updates from the division. You can also download the FCPS App and enable push notifications.
Are you missing important notifications from the division or your school? It’s possible you accidentally blocked messages (yes, this happens). Submit a ticket with our Department of Information Technology to get this fixed.
Provide Fairfax County With Feedback on Its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study
The boundary study for Skyview High School and FCPS’ western pyramids continues to move forward. Western pyramids include 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.
A kickoff meeting for the boundary study is being held at Westfield High School this evening for families who live in the western part of the county. The School Board is expected to vote on the proposed boundaries in June, with any approved changes taking effect in the 2027-28 school year.
Please visit the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study page to learn more about this work.
Summer Student Intern Program Applications Open
The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program will run from Monday, July 6, to Friday, August 14. It offers hands-on work experience across central office departments.
Interns will work alongside professionals on projects that help prepare FCPS for the upcoming school year. They will learn about current trends in fields including artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, business and finance, architecture and construction, communications, safety and cybersecurity, and education and advocacy, as well as participate in weekly professional development workshops.
Job descriptions, details, and the interest form (which should be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10) are available on the Summer Internship webpage. Watch a video about last year’s Summer Internship Program and follow @FCPSInterns on Instagram.
Students Support School Community Through Tech Squad
The Poplar Tree Tech Squad is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It has become an integral part of the school's culture, fostering a spirit of teamwork and support. The Tech Squad makes how-to videos for their peers, helps school staff with computer maintenance, and teaches younger students how to use digital resources like the literacy program Lexia. Read about the Tech Squad.
‘Walk to Read’ Program Shows Student Success
In the Academic Matters portion of the March 19 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the Walk to Read Program. This initiative has been piloted among third grade students in Early Literacy Project Momentum schools.
In the program, students walk to a 30-minute reading intervention block based on their specific needs and abilities. Watch a video to hear from the students and teachers.
Between fall 2025 and winter 2026, there have been double-digit decreases in below-grade-level performance on the G3 iReady test. Read more about Walk to Read.
Middle School Performing Arts Is “More Than Just a Class”
In the Strategic Plan Update portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared this inspiring look at theater in FCPS. Students describe how performing arts became more than just a class. This was part of her presentation on Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
FCPS is one of just a few school divisions across the nation that offer a comprehensive middle school theatre curriculum. Approximately 4,500 students are enrolled in the academic curriculum, and more than 4,000 students participate in comprehensive extracurricular theatre programs, including musical productions, short plays, drama clubs, and field trips.
Read more about the importance of performing arts.
Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters
Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services.
Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.
Calendar Reminders
Quarter End and Early Release
Friday, March 27, is the last day of the third quarter and an early release day for students.
Spring Break
Schools will be closed from Monday, March 30, to Friday, April 3, for spring break. Monday, April 6, is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students.
School Planning Day
Friday, April 10, is a school planning day. There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Graduation Dates
View days, times, and locations for FCPS graduation ceremonies.
New School Board Member Sworn In
Before the March 19 School Board Meeting, Tom Dannan was sworn in as the Braddock District Representative. Learn more about Dannan.
School Board Meeting Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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