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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.
Hello, Springfield District,
I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather. I, for one, would love to keep this true spring a little longer. I am not quite ready for the heat yet. I hope everyone had a wonderful break. The end of the school year is approaching quickly.
We have many exciting activities outlined below, and I have been busy visiting our schools. Last week, I was thrilled to join my colleagues Marcia St. John-Cunning, from the Franconia District, and Ilryong Moon, one of our at-large members, at Lewis High School’s inaugural Meet Your Legislator event. It was a great opportunity to connect with students and share more about my role as a school board member.
In an event close to my heart, this last Monday I visited Garfield Elementary with Congressman James Walkinshaw, and my colleague, at-large member Kyle McDaniel, to recognize our amazing military-connected students during the Month of the Military Child. We were joined by the principal Kerry Peerman and several members of the Springfield VFW Post 7327. Our kids are truly amazing and asked some fascinating questions of Congressman Walkinshaw!
I also had the chance to visit a White Oaks Elementary School strings class with the new Braddock District School Board Representative, Tom Dannan. Our teachers continue to inspire, and Austin Johnson-Stawarz highlighted the impressive progress his cello students have made this year. I look forward to hearing how their concert goes!
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
Left to right clockwise: Franconia District School Board Representative Marcia St. John-Cunning and me at the Lewis High School Meet Your Legislator Event, Braddock District School Board Representative Tom Dannan and me attending a White Oaks Elementary School strings class with teacher Austin Johnson-Stawarz, and Congressman James Walkinshaw’s visit to Garfield Elementary School with VFW Post 7327, At-Large Member Kyle McDaniel, and me.
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Springfield Scene
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Centreville High School’s Student Equity Ambassador Leads, including Ash Montgomery, recently visited Liberty Middle School to work with 7th and 8th-grade students on fostering a positive school culture. Their presentation addressed the impacts of bullying, how to respond when it occurs, and ways to build a culture of acceptance and belonging. This peer-led experience provided students with meaningful strategies and strong role models. |
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Chantilly Academy health and medical science students hosted a blood drive with Inova, volunteering alongside Inova's Blood Donor Services team to ensure that students and faculty at Chantilly could safely donate blood. It was a successful day that contributed to supplying our local blood banks with a critically needed blood supply.
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Shout out to Fairfax High School’s Adel Al Jumaily for winning first place in Electric Vehicle in the Science Olympiad State Tournament
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George Mason University’s Center for the Arts invited the internationally renowned Silkroad Ensemble to lead a master class in the Fairfax Academy Music and Computer Technology lab. Students had an intimate setting in which to learn from and be inspired by their mission: to create music that engages with difference, sparking radical cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning for a more hopeful and inclusive world. Awesome!
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FCPS recently featured Irving Middle School Instructional Assistant Samina Butt for Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! Samina has served at Irving for the past seven years, where she is widely known for her compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to students with diverse learning needs. She approaches each day with a deep sense of purpose, helping students build independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging in their school and beyond. Read more in FCPS News.
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Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Amelia Cole for being named to the 2026 VHSL Girls Indoor Track All-State Team in the 55-meter hurdles and to Nate McComb for being named to the 2026 VHSL Class 6 Boys All-State Basketball Team!
Amelia also recently broke Girls Outdoor Track school and meet records in the 100 and 200-meter runs and the 100-meter hurdles! Way to go!
Bravo to the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra for being accepted to perform at the 2026 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic! This annual conference will take place in Chicago this December and is the premier professional development conference for band and orchestra directors in North America. 20,000 teachers regularly attend it, and the ensemble selection process is extremely rigorous. The Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra will be the only orchestra representing the state of Virginia at this conference! Best of luck!
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Great job to Robinson Secondary School’s Petra Gruendel for being named to the 2026 VHSL Girls Indoor Track All-State Team in the 1600-meter run, to Addison Rowland for being named to the 2026 VHSL Girls All-State Gymnastics Team in Floor and All-Around, and to Lilla Wilbur for being named to the 2026 VHSL Girls Swim and Dive All-State Team in the 200 IM and 100-meter breaststroke! Way to go, ladies!
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Rocky Run Middle School French 2 students worked on a choice summative project to demonstrate their mastery of directional phrases. Choices included a Google Maps Guide, a Lost Tourist, and making a 3D map of a neighborhood. By selecting their preferred project, students took ownership of their learning and showed off their French directional skills in a way that was best for them! C'est fantastique!
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South County High School art teacher Justyne Fischer recently added a new mural to the school walls. Our SoCo World is a vibrant, large-scale world map that beautifully reflects the diversity and global connections within its school community. Featuring vibrant colors, crisp borders, and detailed labels of continents, countries, and states, this mural invites students and staff to see themselves as part of a global community.
It’s more than just a map; it’s a visual testament that while our individual journeys start across the globe, they converge at South County. This artwork celebrates the diverse cultures and stories that define what it means to be a Stallion: curious, connected, and proud.
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Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Andrew Liu and the TJ Computer Security Club for winning the 2026 International Capture the Flag Competition and to the Science Olympiad Team for winning the 2026 Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament!
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FCPS recently featured Union Mill Elementary School Assistant Principal Dominic Williams for National Assistant Principals Week! In FCPS, our assistant principals go above and beyond each day to ensure our schools are places where students thrive and staff feel valued. Their tireless commitment, leadership, and compassion are foundational to our mission — and we’re proud to honor them this week.
Mr. Williams was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding School-Based Leader at FCPS. Read more in FCPS News.
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Shout out to West Springfield High School’s Nicholas Bailey for being named to the 2026 VHSL Class 6 Boys Indoor Track All-State Team in the 500-meter run and to Michael Santos for being named to the 2026 VHSL Class 6 All-State Wrestling Team in the 113 lb. weight class! Great job!
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🏆 241 FCPS Students Named 2026 National Merit Finalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 241 students from 16 Fairfax County public schools as 2026 National Merit finalists. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern Virginia, has 105 finalists. Congratulations to the following Springfield District finalists!
Centreville High School
Seo Yun Noh
Madelyn Regan
Chantilly High School
Xavier Lewandowski
Fairfax High School
Rohan Desai
Elias Falke
Michael Stechl
Nathan Yoon
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Jack Doan
Vincent LaNave
Sarah Roelke
Oakton High School
Caitlin Houston
Vishal Manikanden
Ryan Shin
Thomas Jefferson High School
Ariana Chidambar
Joseph George
Finley Gordon
Karis Kim
Bowen MacGillivray
Karanveer Sadiora
Justin Yu
West Springfield High School
Timothy Campbell
View the full list of national merit finalists.
✍️ Students Honored With 2026 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
FCPS student writers won 24 Gold Key awards in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition. In all, 162 Gold Key, Silver Key, and honorable mentions were earned by FCPS students. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards.
Congratulations to Gold Key winning Springfield District students Bhavya Uppalapati from Rachel Carson Middle School for Personal Essay and Memoir and Haein Oum from Oakton High School for Poetry!
View the list of writing award winners.
🎵 FCPS Students Chosen for 2026 All-Virginia High School Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Middle School Chorus Group
Two hundred seventeen Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high school students have been selected to perform at the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event, April 16-18, and 47 FCPS students have been selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus event, April 16-17.
Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions in these ensembles. Participants will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians during the events, which are free and open to the public.
Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!
All-Virginia Band
Chantilly High School
Luc Santana
Lewis High School
Leo Swengros
Oakton High School
Christina Park
Robinson Secondary School
Jack Patterson
South County High School
Joseph Nowlin
West Springfield High School
Alyssa Chang
Nina Chiu
Madison Curry
Lillian Foley
Charlotte Jackson
Kai Jackson
Chloe Lau
Christopher Lee
All-Virginia Chorus
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Ben Bailey
Karly Neal
Oakton High School
Samarth Prakash
Robinson Secondary School
Drew Erbrecht
Elise Erbrecht
Miah Scott
West Springfield High School
Ryan Coffey
Sophia Kutz
Jasper Lester
Woodson High School
Carson Fenner
All-Virginia Orchestra
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Sophia Lee
Sarah Park
South County High School
Sarah Tracy
All-Virginia Middle School Mixed Choir
Rachel Carson Middle School
Natalia Thelmo
Frost Middle School
Saud Akhtar
View the list of selected students.
📃 2026 National Board Certified and Recertified Teachers
The School Board recently celebrated Fairfax County Public Schools educators who earned or renewed their National Board Certification. As the gold standard in the teaching profession, this distinction recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional instructional expertise and a profound commitment to student growth.
During the recognition, the Board honored newly certified and renewed teachers from across the division—including several dedicated educators from the Springfield District. These achievements underscore the high level of professionalism within FCPS and a shared mission to provide every student with world-class instruction.
Congratulations to the following teachers serving Springfield District Students!
Renewed Certification
Cardinal Forest Elementary School - Kathleen Gannon
Fairfax High School - Catherine Williams
Lake Braddock Secondary School - Krista Gallagher
Saratoga Elementary School - Carrie Cleary
New Irving Middle School Principal
The Region 4 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Emily Cincinnati has been named the new principal of Irving Middle School.
With over a decade of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools, Ms. Cincinnati brings a distinguished record of instructional leadership and community-centered practice to Irving Middle School. During her recent tenure as assistant principal at John R. Lewis High School, she successfully drove academic achievement and built a culture of inclusivity and support.
At Lewis High School, Ms. Cincinnati’s leadership has produced measurable results, including a 20% increase in science SOL performance across all student groups over two years, a 49% reduction in out-of-school suspensions, and a 5% reduction in chronic absenteeism. She also led the revitalization of the International Baccalaureate Programme, expanding both access and opportunities for all learners.
Ms. Cincinnati is known for building coherent systems that support students and staff. She has led the development of collaborative team structures, data-driven instructional practices, and professional learning that promotes high-quality instruction and the success of every learner. Her work includes innovative interventions for multilingual learners, large-scale student mentoring systems, and credit recovery efforts that have helped hundreds of students stay on track for on-time graduation.
Ms. Cincinnati began her career as a social studies teacher in Fairfax County at Lake Braddock Secondary School and South Lakes High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Arts in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She also completed the Accelerated Administration Certification through the University of Virginia.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Cincinnati as the new principal of Irving Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.
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Rhonda Honoré Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Region 6
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhonda Honoré as the new assistant superintendent for Region 6, which includes the schools in the Annandale, Hayfield, and Lewis high school pyramids.
Ms. Honoré brings more than a decade of leadership experience with a strong track record of improving student outcomes, strengthening instructional systems, and building leadership capacity across multiple schools. She currently serves as executive director of instruction with Houston Independent School District, where she supports a diverse portfolio of schools and leads districtwide efforts to improve teaching and learning.
In her current role, Ms. Honoré coaches principals and leadership teams to provide consistent, high-quality instruction, while aligning campus goals with broader district priorities. Under her leadership, schools have demonstrated significant academic gains, including increasing college and career readiness at one high school from 61% to 94% in a single year.
Throughout her career, Ms. Honoré has been recognized for building strong leadership pipelines, implementing data-driven systems, and maintaining a clear focus on equity and outcomes for all students.
Ms. Honoré will begin her role on May 4.
🎭 Upcoming School Performances
Don’t miss the many upcoming school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are:
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Anastasia: The Musical
April 16-25
Buy tickets
Centreville High School
The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition)
April 17-19
Buy tickets
Katherine Johnson Middle School
Moana, Jr.
April 23-25
Buy tickets
South County High School
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version)
April 23-25
Buy tickets
Chantilly High School
As You Like It
April 23-26
Buy tickets
Lake Braddock Secondary School Middle School Theatre
As You Like It
April 23-26
Buy tickets
South County Middle School
Stinky Cheese Man
April 24
Admission is free.
Frost Middle School
Anything Goes: Youth Edition
April 24-25
Buy tickets
Key Middle School
The War of Winter
April 24-25
Buy tickets
Robinson Secondary School
Legally Blonde The Musical
April 24-May 2
Buy tickets
Fairfax High School
Something Rotten!
April 30-May 9
Buy tickets
Franklin Middle School
Legally Blonde, Jr.
April 30-May 3
Buy tickets
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Cabaret
April 30-May 2
Buy tickets
Lewis High School
Mean Girls
April 30-May 2
Buy tickets
Oakton High School
Anything Goes
April 30-May 9
Buy tickets
West Springfield High School
Mamma Mia!
April 30-May 9
Buy tickets
Woodson High School
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
May 1-10
Buy tickets
Fairfax Academy
Ink in the Marrow Dance Concert
May 15-16
Buy tickets
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Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
👋 Step Into Leadership: Join the Emerging Leaders Program
The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP 1) is now accepting students in grades 9–12 for Spring 2026! This free, in-person after-school program offers college readiness workshops, guidance on scholarships, and resume-building support. Participants will attend sessions twice a week for four weeks while gaining valuable leadership skills. Students can also earn scholarships of up to $1,000 and participate in gift card raffles. Register today to take the next step toward your future!
💧 Youth Conservation Camp for High School Students
Are you ready for an immersive week of environmental exploration? Applications are now open for Youth Conservation Camp, a week-long summer camp sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This year’s camp will be held July 12-18, 2026, on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. Applications are due Monday, April 20.
Learn more about Youth Conservation Camp, including how to apply.
🌳 FCPS Get2Green Student Action Summit
Join fellow K-12 students for an evening dedicated to environmental action and collaboration.
Event Highlights
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Student Sharing: Present your environmental projects via tri-fold boards, slide decks, or artifacts. Work individually or as a team to share your successes and challenges.
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Breakout Discussions: Participate in small-group talks focused on gardening, outdoor learning, zero waste, and climate change.
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Networking: Connect with other student leaders and learn from their initiatives.
Important Details
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Eligibility: Open to all FCPS students (Elementary students must be accompanied by an adult).
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Action Required: Register to receive a confirmation email with full details.
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Inquiries: Contact Get2Green@fcps.edu with any questions.
👩🚒 Girls Fire and Rescue Academy
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is thrilled to open applications for the 2026 Girls Fire and Rescue Academy (GFRA)! This immersive summer camp offers a unique, hands-on look at the world of fire and emergency services. The program is designed for young women ready to challenge themselves and explore a rewarding career path. The Academy is open to Fairfax County rising 9th - 12th-grade female students. And will take place Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The cost is free; however, the Academy is limited to 24 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply by the close of business on Friday, May 15, 2026.
🩺 Calling all Future Healthcare Heroes!
The Falls Church Academy is hosting its Health Sciences Exploration Camp this June! Students entering grades 6-10 can get hands-on experience in real labs and learn from the pros.
- 🗓️ When: June 22–26, 2026
- 💰 Cost: $90 (1 session) / $160 (both)
- 📝 Register: via MySchoolBucks by June 1st!
Spots are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone! ✨
Teens in Action Summer Camps
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is offering Teens in Action Camps this summer. Teens in Action provides an energetic and affordable space for middle and high schoolers to connect, grow, and give back.
Whether your child is looking to compete, create, or discover, they have a spot for them. Their program features:
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Active Play: Team sports and high-energy games.
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Creative Growth: Arts, crafts, and hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects.
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Community Impact: Meaningful service projects and local cultural field trips.
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Fuel for Success: They provide free nutritious lunches and snacks daily.
Camp for rising 9th-12th graders will take place Friday, June 22, through Friday, August 21, 2026, from 8:30 to 5 p.m. The camp is closed on July 3rd.
The rising middle school camp will take place Friday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 30, and Friday, July 31, through Friday, August 21, 2026, from 8:30 to 5 p.m.
Register and find camp locations online.
💵 Digital Responsibility Scholarships
Digital Responsibility provides four distinct scholarship opportunities designed to explore the personal and societal impacts of our digital lives.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
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Academic Status: Open to high school students (all levels), current college students, and incoming or active graduate students.
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Alternative Schooling: Home-schooled students are fully eligible to apply.
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Age: There is no age limit for these awards.
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Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
The first deadline to apply is June 30, 2026.
⛳ Fairfax High School Co-Ed Junior Golf Camp
Fairfax High School’s Golf Team is holding a Co-Ed Junior Golf Camp for rising 2nd-10th-grade boys and girls from Monday, July 13, through Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Fairfax High School. No equipment is required. Train alongside Fairfax High School players and coaches while participating in the following activities.
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New Practice Bunker: A fantastic addition to their practice facility, joining our hitting nets, chipping areas, launch monitors, and simulator.
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Bonus Day: They’ve added an extra day of fun, instruction, and play!
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Team Mentorship: They are excited to have more counselors this year, including current and former members of the Fairfax Golf Team. It’s a great way to learn from experienced players and connect with the high school program.
Find more information and register online. Invite your friends, classmates, and neighbors to join the fun!
Community News
💜 Support Military Children on Purple Up! Day
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we invited all Fairfax County students, families, staff, and community members to “Purple Up!” on Wednesday, April 15, for military children.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and the blue of the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force.
🏫 Adult and Community Education Opportunities
Established in 1955, Fairfax County’s Adult and Community Education (ACE) provides affordable lifelong learning year-round. Offering classes seven days a week—both online and in-person—ACE focuses on equity and excellence to serve the entire community.
ACE Tax Day Sale
ACE wants you to save on learning! Purchase any class on April 15, 2026, and you'll save $15 off your tuition when you apply promo code TaxDay15 at checkout. Explore classes for career advancement or personal enjoyment. Learn in-person or online at your own pace. But just like your tax-filing deadline, this offer expires at midnight on April 15, 2026, so don’t delay!
See details and save on your continuing education today.
ACE Scholarship
Scholarship Opportunities:
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Veterinary Assisting: A limited number of $700 scholarships are available. Email educationalcounseling@fcps.edu before registering to apply.
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Online Career Courses: Browse thousands of self-guided courses and apply for a $100 scholarship. The application is quick, easy, and not exclusively needs-based—plus, you can receive multiple awards for multiple classes!
Note: Scholarships cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Spaces fill quickly—visit www.fcpsace.org to enroll today and apply for scholarships.
If you’d like to support adult learners, please consider donating to the FCPS ACE scholarship fund.
🎶 Woodson High School Chorus Fundraiser
Be ready for Mother’s Day by ordering from See’s Candies and supporting Woodson Chorus! Orders are due by Friday, April 17, 2026, and will be shipped directly to you. Order online.
🎈 West Springfield High School Spring Carnival
West Springfield High School is hosting their first ever Spring Carnival on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the school practice fields in front of the tennis courts. There will be fun activities for all ages, including face painting, corn hole, raffles, other carnival-like games, and fun treats and prizes! Admission is free!
🌳 Liberty Middle School Environmental Fair
Join Centreville High School and Liberty Middle School students for an Environmental Fair in Liberty’s front parking lot on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities for all ages include:
- Honey Bee Exhibit
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Get2Green Club Sprout Sales
- Cooking Club Bake and Concession Sales
- Stormwater/Wastewater Trucks for Youth to Explore
- Arborists to Talk Trees
- Urban Farming to Show How To Garden in Small Spaces
- Reptiles!
- Water Bottle Refill Station
- SCA presentation of a Day in the Life of a Crouch School Student.
- Opening of the newly installed outdoor classroom and the return of the Liberty chickens in their new Eagle Scout-built enclosure.
- Bubble Activities and So Much More!
Students and Parents can help support many of these activities. Please contact Sandy Donlon, After-School Specialist at sldonlon@fcps.edu. Check out Schoology for Student opportunities. Sign up using the Google Form!
🏓 Dink & Donate for Education: Pickleball Tournament
Grab a paddle and support FCPS students.
Educate Fairfax is excited to invite you to a new community event that brings together fun, friendly competition, and a meaningful purpose.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m., we will host our first Dink & Donate for Education Pickleball Tournament at Down the Line Sports Center in Annandale.
This all-day indoor event welcomes players of every level. Whether you are new to the game or ready for competitive play, there is a place for you on the court.
Social divisions run from 1 to 4 p.m. and competitive divisions from 4 to 7 p.m.
Most importantly, 70 percent of tournament proceeds directly support Educate Fairfax programs that benefit FCPS students, teachers, and classrooms.
Every serve and every rally helps create opportunity.
Spots are limited. Register today
Can’t attend? You can still support students.
Revolutionary Fun for the Whole Family
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Fairfax County History Commission will host Revolutionary Ideas: Fairfax County’s American Revolution, featuring a full day of programming, including free, interactive activities designed for young learners. The conference will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, with children’s activities beginning at 1:30 p.m.
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Dig Archaeology: Handle cool artifacts that make Fairfax County unique.
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In Your Own Words: What does freedom mean to you? Share your thoughts.
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Live Like a Colonial: Write with a quill pen, try a whirligig, play dress-up.
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Find Your Roots: Explore your past with the Fairfax Genealogical Society.
🎨 Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival
The annual Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival is taking place Friday, April 24, through Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center. One of the 2026 Honorary Co-Chairs is Matt Carlin of Fairfax Academy! This year’s theme, Illumination 250: Shining a Light on Creativity, Discovery, and Community, honors the transformative force of creativity—a spark that connects, inspires, and enlightens us all. In coordination with America’s 250th anniversary, the Festival will showcase the visionary ideas, stories, and innovations that shape Fairfax’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The festival serves as a cultural crossroads for local artists, students, performers, and tech-innovators. Together, we are united by light, motion, sound, and the universal joy of creative discovery.
Find more information online.
💊 Drug Take Back Day
Don't let old meds pile up! Swing by a Drug Take Back Day site on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free, safe, and confidential way to clear out your medicine cabinet.
Managed by local and federal agencies, drug take-back programs offer a secure way to clear out your prescriptions. By disposing of meds properly, you’re doing three big things: preventing drug misuse, stopping accidental poisonings, and keeping our water and soil clean.
Find drop-off sites.
🌎 Earth Day Fairfax
Celebrate the planet at Fairfax County’s premier environmental event! Join the community for Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival brings that mission to life with interactive, hands-on activities designed to show you how small, simple changes at home can make a massive impact on our environment.
Beyond the green lessons, there's plenty of excitement to keep the energy high! This festival is a full sensory experience featuring live music, food and drink, and a touch-a-truck exhibit where kids (and kids at heart) can get up close with massive vehicles.
Admission is free; however, parking is $10 per vehicle. Cash and credit are accepted.
Find more information online.
👠 Fashion in Motion 2026: The Fairfax Academy Runway
Witness the future of style at the Fairfax Academy Fashion in Motion show on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center. This annual premier runway event features original collections from Fashion Careers students.
This year’s showcase puts a spotlight on sustainable and upcycled design, featuring innovative garments born from our partnerships with Goodwill of Greater Washington and the UpCycle Creative Reuse Center.
Purchase tickets online.
🏬Workforce of Tomorrow: Host a Youth Intern this Summer
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is calling all employers! Give back to your community at no cost to you and host a youth intern this summer through the Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program. Interns between the ages of 16 and 24 spend six weeks with your business learning essential skills to support their future career. Employment Services matches youth with worksites based on their interests and provides support throughout their internship. Learn more about how to get involved in supporting the youth in your community.
Family and Student Resources
😋 Discover What’s New on the Menu
FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.
Here’s what students can look forward to:
- New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
- Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
- Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
- Vegetarian options like the meatless Philly melt are available alongside classic favorites.
Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.
Want to know what’s on the menu? View menus on Food and Nutrition Services’ webpage.
Student Meals on Tuesday, April 21
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.
🎖️ Military Families Resources
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year. Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff will welcome you and will assist with your transition into or out of our district. Watch this message from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid about the Month of the Military Child.
Visit our Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow our FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources. If you have questions, please email our Family and School Partnerships team.
🙂↕️ Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Teaching Consent Can Start Early
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Fairfax County’s Victoria Nevel-Babla speaks on a recent podcast to shed light on the barriers that keep survivors of sexual assault from coming forward and the lasting impact of that silence. True prevention begins long before a crisis—it starts with daily conversations about consent and a fundamental shift in how we support those who have been harmed.
Despite what we see in the media, stranger danger is the exception, not the rule. In 80% to 90% of sexual violence cases, the individual responsible is someone the survivor knows—such as a family member, partner, or friend.
How to Drive Change
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Start Early: Prevention begins with simple lessons on bodily autonomy, like letting a child decide if they want to hug a relative.
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Shift the Culture: We must stop victim-blaming based on clothing and end harmful jokes—particularly those targeting male survivors.
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Prioritize Belief: The most powerful thing we can do is believe survivors when they share their stories.
For those in need of help, the county’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides 24/7 crisis support, free counseling, and dedicated advocacy. Find more information online.
🧑⚕️ No-Cost Healthcare Clinic
Remote Area Medical (RAM) is bringing a free health clinic to Chantilly to provide quality care to those in need. The clinic is open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis until they reach capacity. You do not need an ID to receive services.
The clinic will be open for two days only on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Mubarak Mosque. The parking lot opens on Friday, April 17, at 11:59 p.m. The Clinic will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Services provided include professional volunteers who will offer several types of free care.
- Dental: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental X-rays.
- Vision: Complete eye exams, health evaluations, and prescription glasses made on-site.
- Medical: Physical exams, RX consultations, women’s health, and general exams.
This event is hosted by Humanity First USA. For more information, please visit ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.
💉 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders
As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend a Virginia public school.
In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older;
- Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older;
- A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent's or guardian's sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.
Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet (PDF) for more information on rising 7th-grade immunization requirements.
Additional Immunization Resources are also available.
Applied Behavior Analysis Family Training: Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills
Join FCPS staff in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) workshop intended for family members of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC), and CAT B secondary classrooms. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Topics covered will include:
- How to teach:
- Social activities
- Self-help
- Daily living skills
- How to use different strategies to facilitate independence
Join using this meeting link.
All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. No registration is needed.
To request an interpreter, contact Stephanie Watkins at (571) 423-4110 or by email at sawatkins@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email).
For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.
Free Workshops and Events from the Family Resource Center and Family Academy
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC). Sign up for the FRC newsletter to receive their latest offerings, or visit their webinar webpage.
The Family Academy is a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families. The Family Academy offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families in our learning catalog. Sign up for the Family and School Partnerships newsletter or visit the Family Academy catalog for classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families.
April and May offerings include:
Quick Links
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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