|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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.
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends over spring break. As we return, we’re looking forward to jumping back into learning and making the most of these final months of the school year together.
April is also School Library Month, which gives us a great opportunity to recognize the important role our school libraries and librarians play each day. In FCPS, our libraries are places where students build skills, explore their interests, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We also celebrate National School Librarian Day on April 4, honoring the dedicated staff who inspire a love of reading and support students in becoming confident, curious learners.
At the school board meeting last evening, we passed a proclamation expressing our support and gratitude to all our school librarians for their contributions during School Library Month.
Calendar Update
Last night, I moved approval of the SY26–27 calendar, which reduces the number of days off from 40 this year to 33 next year and adds three more full five-day weeks. I’ve had many conversations with parents and teachers in the community over the past few weeks, and it’s clear that this year has been uniquely difficult with a record-setting 40 days off. Many of those days were the result of how the calendar falls, holidays sometimes land on weekdays instead of weekends, and there were also two additional days off due to unforeseen special elections. The largest change for the next school year that the board approved last evening is the return of Veterans’ Day as a full instructional day.
I also moved approval of a timeline to develop the SY27–28 and SY28–29 calendars, which the Superintendent will bring back to the Board for action on July 9, 2026. We need to carefully review the school calendar to be responsive to the needs of our diverse communities around holidays and ensure we maximize instructional time, while still balancing the needs of our teachers for planning and professional development.
Middle School AAP Expansion Plan Discussed in Work Session
During the April 7, 2026 School Board work session, staff presented a comprehensive proposal to expand Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Centers to every Fairfax County middle school by the 2030–31 school year.
This work responds to the Board’s September 2025 direction to ensure that all students eligible for full-time AAP services can access advanced coursework within their neighborhood schools. The proposed model would allow students to remain in their base middle school while participating in cohort-based advanced classes, an approach designed to increase equitable access, strengthen peer continuity, and reduce transportation demands.
Currently, AAP services are distributed across a mix of dedicated centers, local programs, and schools without cohort models. The expansion plan aims to standardize access and ensure consistent, high-quality programming across all middle schools.
To support this shift, staff outlined key program standards focused on maintaining rigor and quality, including ensuring sufficient student cohort sizes, strengthening instructional expectations, preparing school leaders, and expanding teacher training and certification. Professional learning will be a major component, with tiered training opportunities to build teacher capacity and ensure equitable access to advanced instruction across the division.
Implementation is proposed in four phases, beginning in the 2026–27 school year and continuing through full implementation by 2030–31. The phased approach is based on facility readiness and includes ongoing monitoring, as well as strategies to address potential capacity challenges at select schools.
Virtual Budget Town Hall
I’d like to invite you to join me for a Virtual Budget Town Hall on April 14 at 6:30 PM. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the FCPS budget, hear updates, and ask any questions you may have. Pre-registration is required, so please be sure to sign up in advance here. I hope you’re able to join the conversation.
🔎 School Spotlight: Louise Archer ES
Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna has a fascinating and unique history that dates back to 1867, when it was founded as the Vienna Colored School, the first school for African American children in Fairfax County. This was three years before FCPS was founded in 1870. At a time when educational opportunities for Black students were severely limited, the school served as a critical center of learning and community. In 1939, the school moved to its current site on Nutley Street, and over time it evolved through desegregation and expansion, reflecting both the challenges and progress of public education in Fairfax County.
The school is named for Louise Archer, a remarkable educator and principal who dedicated her life to her students during segregation. Archer not only taught academic subjects but also provided meals, transportation, and life skills instruction, often going above and beyond to support her students and their families. She organized community efforts to improve school resources, helped secure a new school building, and advocated for opportunities her students otherwise would not have had. After her passing in 1948, the community successfully petitioned to rename the school in her honor.
You can read more about the school's history here.
Today, Louise Archer Elementary School continues to be an important part of the Vienna community, serving students as part of FCPS. The school is known for its strong academic programs, including advanced academic opportunities, and for maintaining a welcoming, community-centered environment rooted in its proud history. While much has changed over the decades, the school continues to reflect the spirit of its namesake, placing a strong emphasis on student growth, opportunity, and a supportive learning environment for all.
🚶🏼♂️Kyle in the Community
Two weeks ago, I got to attend Louise Archer Day in Vienna, where the whole school community gathered to celebrate the school's namesake and learn more about its history. It was great seeing students engage with their school’s and community’s story.
I also toured Key MS before their international night. It was great getting to see so many students hard at work right before spring break.
This week, I got to tour Manta ES led by a group of some talented student ambassadors. Go Raccoons!
Finally, yesterday, before the School Board meeting, I had the opportunity to tour Bucknell Elementary School in Alexandria. This year, they are piloting FCPS’s Montessori program for families residing in the West Potomac pyramid.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Other Updates
‼️ 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.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
💵 Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
🗣️ 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 it 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.
🎓 Explore Life After High School at Flash Forward Postsecondary Education and Employment Options Event
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Woodson High School.
The event is designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma and their families. It offers an introduction to postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, and community programs. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs, and community organizations will be available to share resources and answer questions.
Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend.
📰 FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Support Military Children
- National Merit Finalists
- School Board to Present Budget to Board of Supervisors
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Calendar Reminder
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
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
|
