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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.
June Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
 Crossfield Elementary School Ribbon Cutting with my colleagues (L-R) Melanie Meren, Principal Granieri, Ryan McElveen, and Kyle McDaniel
To Infinity and Beyond!
As the school year draws to a close, we have so much to celebrate—most notably our incredible Class of 2026. Whether you crossed the stage in February or are preparing to do so this month, congratulations!
This milestone is a testament to years of persistence, intellectual growth, and unwavering dedication. I am immensely proud of everything you have achieved. I am scheduled to attend 25 graduations. I am sorry that I am unable to come to every graduation as some graduations overlap.
“It Takes a Village”
This achievement isn’t yours alone. It belongs to the families, guardians, teachers, and staff who have walked alongside you. Success is a collective effort, and we honor the "village" that has supported, mentored, and cheered on our seniors every step of the way.
No matter where life leads, you will always be a part of the Fairfax County Public Schools family.
Thank you to every student, parent, and staff member for making this an extraordinary year. I wish you all a joyful, restful, and safe summer break!
Best,
Ilryong Moon
What's New & What's Next
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
Boundary Review
Introduction of New Staff
What's Happened in May
Sound of Music Across FCPS
School Visits
Student Leadership Development Program Closing Ceremony
Remembering Rob Hahne Jr.
Bulletin
New Cellphone Policy
Join our School Board Community Advisory Committee
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
Honoring Our Vibrant Community
 May and June are months of profound significance, as our division recognizes the diverse stories that weave the fabric of our county:
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Memorial Day: We honor and remember the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedoms.
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Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: We celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities that continue to strengthen and enrich our nation.
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Eid al-Adha: We extend warm wishes to all who observe Eid al-Adha, a time of faith, reflection, generosity, and community.
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Jewish American Heritage Month: We recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions, culture, and history of Jewish Americans who have helped shape our communities and nation.
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Immigrant Heritage Month: We celebrate the nearly 30% of our residents born outside the U.S. Your contributions make Fairfax County a global leader in innovation and culture.
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Juneteenth: We pause to reflect on the end of slavery in the United States, honoring the enduring spirit of freedom and resilience.
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LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: We recognize the history and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive environment.
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Caribbean American Heritage Month: We highlight the rich cultural influence and vibrant history of Caribbean Americans in our community.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
Budget Update
 Click image to watch the vote on the FCPS YouTube Channel.
On May 21, the School Board adopted the FY 2027 Approved Budget following months of discussion, community input, and careful review of our priorities. I was happy to support a budget that continues our commitment to students, staff, and families while navigating ongoing financial challenges.
As I shared during the Board meeting, regardless of the circumstances, our schools need a budget in place to continue supporting students, employees, and families. At the same time, I also acknowledged the difficult funding realities we faced this year and the painful decisions required to close the budget gap.
The approved budget reflects strategic fiscal stewardship while sustaining excellence across our school division. During the discussion on county funding, staff noted that the percentage of county revenue transferred to schools decreased compared to the previous year. I shared my concern about the impact these funding gaps have on our schools and emphasized that maintaining a strong partnership with the Board of Supervisors should also allow room for honest conversations about our financial challenges. Despite these challenges, the approved budget preserves key investments in compensation, classroom supports, middle school after-school programming, and student services.
During the meeting, I also asked Superintendent Dr. Reid about the anticipated timeline for additional funding discussions with the General Assembly. Dr. Reid shared that we expect greater clarity later this summer and expressed hope that additional education funding may become available. I remain hopeful that if additional state resources are provided, the Board can revisit some of the reductions made during this budget cycle and continue investing in areas that directly support students and staff.
I also supported the follow-on motion directing the Superintendent to develop a document outlining sound financial management principles, policies, and practices for future Board discussion. During that conversation, I emphasized that we already have Executive Limitation 5 (EL-5), which outlines the Superintendent’s responsibilities regarding financial planning and budgeting. My focus was ensuring that any future work builds upon our existing policies, accountability structures, and best practices while allowing the Board to begin financial planning conversations earlier and more proactively.
I remain grateful to our staff, families, students, and community members who participated throughout this process. Together, we will continue working to ensure every student has access to a world-class education.
Ongoing Boundary Review
 Despite the inclement weather, many families attended the community meeting regarding the Rolling Valley Elementary School middle and high school feeders, as well as the Keene Mill Elementary School attendance island and surrounding school boundary study. The meeting gave families and community members an opportunity to hear updates, review previously proposed boundary scenarios, and share feedback as FCPS continues the boundary review process.
Discussions focused on potential boundary adjustments involving Rolling Valley Elementary School, Keene Mill Elementary School, Cardinal Forest Elementary School, White Oaks Elementary School, Key Middle School, Irving Middle School, Lewis High School, and West Springfield High School.
Community engagement and feedback will continue to play an important role as we evaluate options and works toward recommendations expected to be presented to the School Board in early 2027.
Introduction of New Staff
I am delighted to introduce my Staff Assistant, Dane Pototsky.
Dane is a graduate of Falls Church High School and brings a strong background in education, student support, and organizational leadership. He brings nine years of experience in special education classrooms, three years of large-scale secondary standardized testing and organizational administration, and fifteen years of athletic coaching and organizational experience. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting students through collaboration, mentorship, and thoughtful leadership.
Dane’s passion for serving school communities, combined with his broad professional experience, will make him a tremendous asset to our team. Please join me in welcoming Dane as he begins this new role. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the positive contributions he will make to our team.
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What's happened in May
Sound of Music Across FCPS
 With Karl Frisch, Providence District School Board Member at the Luther Jackson Middle School.
I had the opportunity to attend several outstanding theatre productions across our division. From the opening curtain to the final applause, our students showcased incredible talent, creativity, and dedication to the performing arts.
Performances included 9 to 5 at South Lakes High School, The Wizard of Oz at Luther Jackson Middle School, Once Upon a Mattress at Mount Vernon High School, and Anything Goes at Oakton High School. Each production reflected the hard work of students, teachers, musicians, and families who help bring these performances to life.
The arts continue to play an important role in inspiring confidence, collaboration, and self-expression in our students, and it was wonderful to see our school communities come together to celebrate their achievements on stage!
 Woodson High School's Talent Show
I had the privilege of attending Woodson High School’s student talent show, “Cavchella” — a creative twist on the famous music festival name inspired by the school’s Cavaliers mascot. I was invited by one of the student guitarists and his family, and it was wonderful to experience such an energetic and talented evening alongside the Woodson community.
This event featured an incredible showcase of student talent, creativity, and school spirit. From live bands and musical performances to a variety of other acts, students demonstrated confidence, passion, and dedication to their craft while cheering one another on throughout the night. The Principal Kevin Greata participated in the event exhibiting his fancy dance moves.
Thank you to the students, staff, and families who made the evening such a memorable celebration of student voice and talent.
 Spring Dance Showcase
I had the pleasure of attending Fairfax Academy’s Spring Dance Showcase, Ink in the Marrow, at Fairfax High School. The performance was a powerful exploration of creativity, storytelling, and the human spirit through movement.
The showcase followed the journey of a writer searching for inspiration, while dancers embodied the “Ink” that transformed ideas and emotions into motion. Inspired by poetry and artistic expression, each piece translated emotion into breathtaking choreography and performance.
Congratulations to the dancers, choreographers, instructors, and everyone involved in creating such an inspiring performance!
School Visits
 Ribbon Cutting at Crossfield Elementary School
Crossfield Elementary School celebrated the completion of its renovation. It was an honor to join my School Board colleagues, school leaders, staff, families, and community members in recognizing this important milestone.
Originally opened in 1988, Crossfield Elementary has long served generations of students and families in the Herndon and Reston communities. Thanks to voter-approved bond funding from 2019 and 2021, the renovated school now features modernized learning spaces, upgraded building systems, enhanced safety improvements, expanded outdoor learning areas, and an 11,638-square-foot addition designed to better support students and staff.
The project also earned recognition as a high-performance school through the Virginia Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), reflecting FCPS’ commitment to healthy, sustainable, and energy-efficient learning environments.
Most importantly, these investments reflect our community’s continued commitment to providing students with safe, innovative, and inspiring spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
 (L-R) Zain, Muhammad, Alvin and Peter
Edison High School's Global Stem Challenges Program
As part of my visit to the Global STEM Challenges Program (GSCP), I had the opportunity to meet with students who proudly shared their final team project centered around the concept of an orbital ring — a futuristic space infrastructure concept designed to support transportation and sustainability beyond Earth. The students enthusiastically walked me through the possibilities of the project and even introduced theoretical engineering resources and research that inspired their work. Their passion, creativity, and curiosity were evident throughout the presentation.
The Global STEM Challenges Program cultivates curious, collaborative, and responsible future leaders by integrating mathematics, science, and technology/engineering into a unified learning experience. Through problem-based learning and real-world challenges connected to the United Nations' 17 Goals for Sustainable Development, students strengthen critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills while building confidence to tackle complex modern issues. The program inspires students to pursue STEM pathways that positively impact the world and empowers the next generation of innovators working toward a more sustainable future.
Go Eagles!
 Matsuri at Fox Mill Elementary School
It is always exciting to visit our dual language immersion schools, where students proudly showcase culture, language, and community. During my visit to Fox Mill Elementary School’s Matsuri celebration, I had the opportunity to see students confidently speaking and learning Japanese while families and staff came together to celebrate Japanese culture.
“Matsuri” is a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates community, culture, food, music, games, and traditions. The event brought incredible energy to the school and highlighted the importance of cultural understanding and global learning experiences for our students.
It was wonderful meeting families and seeing students fully engaged in language learning while embracing cultural traditions in such a meaningful way.
 Track and Field at Lake Braddock Secondary School
I enjoyed visiting Lake Braddock Secondary School to watch our student-athletes compete in track and field events. From cross country athletes to pole vaulters and sprinters, it was inspiring to see students challenge themselves, support one another, and demonstrate determination both on and off the field.
Athletics continue to play an important role in building teamwork, resilience, discipline, and school pride throughout FCPS.
 Heritage Month at Luther Jackson Middle School
Heritage Night was a wonderful celebration of culture, community, and student talent. Families, students, and staff came together for an evening filled with performances, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about the many cultures represented throughout the school community.
Talent showcase featured an impressive variety of performances including music, dance, instrumental solos, cultural fashion, and student-led presentations that reflected traditions and stories from around the world. Students confidently shared their talents while celebrating the diversity that makes the school community so special. Families also enjoyed activities such as henna, origami, geography games, and other hands-on cultural experiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing students, staff, and families come together to celebrate and learn from one another in such a joyful and welcoming environment. Events like Heritage Night continue to foster belonging, appreciation, and connection across the FCPS community.
 Falls Church Academy Award Ceremony
I had the pleasure of attending the Falls Church Academy Governor’s Health Sciences Academy Awards and Recognition Ceremony, where students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments across a wide range of health science and career pathway programs.
The ceremony celebrated students in programs including American Sign Language, Biotechnology Foundations, Criminal Justice, Dental Careers, Emergency Medical Technician, Exploring Health Sciences, Intro to Nursing, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Nursing and Vietnamese. Students were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but also for their commitment to developing the knowledge and skills needed for future careers in healthcare and public service.
It was inspiring to see so many students being recognized for their perseverance and accomplishments as they prepare to make a difference in their communities.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients, instructors and families who supported their success throughout the year!
 TJ's Symposium to Advance Research
I had the opportunity to attend Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s annual Symposium to Advance Research (tjSTAR), a celebration of student innovation, research, and academic excellence.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Mike Elias, TJ Class of 2001 and Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles. During his presentation, Elias shared his journey into the world of professional baseball, including how he decided during college that while he might not become a professional player himself, he could still pursue a meaningful career in the sport he loved.
Elias spoke about the growing role of data, statistics, analytics, and biophysics in modern baseball operations. He also emphasized the importance of building real-world relationships. He touched on the importance of doing on-the-ground work, such as visiting high school and college games for scouting, connecting with athletes directly. He even touched upon value of understanding the Spanish language and culture as they were particularly important since many Major League Baseball players ccame from Latin America.
In addition to the keynote address, students proudly presented their own research projects and findings, showcasing the depth of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking that define the TJ community. It was inspiring to see students engaging in advanced research and sharing their work with peers, educators, and community members.
Congratulations to all of the students, staff, and organizers who made tjSTAR another outstanding celebration of learning and innovation.
 (L-R) Me, Evelyn and Lydia
Garden Party at Irving Middle School
I was pleased to attend Irving Middle School’s first annual Family Garden Party, celebrating the school’s Horseman Horticulture Program — a cross-curricular, project-based learning initiative for 8th grade students.
Throughout the year, students worked diligently to build, maintain, and experiment with indoor hydroponic systems and outdoor learning spaces. The event gave students an opportunity to proudly showcase their year-long projects and share the knowledge and skills they developed through hands-on learning experiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was tasting a salad made from produce grown by the students themselves. It was wonderful to interact with students, hear about their projects firsthand, and see the excitement and pride they had in their work. I was happy to “thyme” my visit perfectly to see our students truly "blossom" through this innovative program.
Thank you Horseman Horticulture Team!
 New Principal at Keene Mill Elementary School
I had the opportunity to attend the introduction of Ms. Cathy Wood as the new principal of Keene Mill Elementary School. Ms. Wood brings 18 years of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools and is recognized as a dedicated educational leader committed to fostering inclusive, collaborative school communities and supporting academic excellence for all students.
Throughout her career in FCPS, Ms. Wood has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional excellence by supporting high-quality classroom instruction, strategic interventions, and data-driven practices that have helped improve student achievement and SOL success rates.
The Kangas community is excited to welcome Ms. Wood and looks forward to her leadership and partnership in supporting students, staff, and families.
 Woodson vs Hayfield Varsity Soccer
I had the pleasure of attending an exciting regional playoff soccer match between two outstanding teams–– the Woodson Cavaliers and the Hayfield Hawks. In a hard-fought contest, the Cavaliers secured a 2–1 victory to advance in the 2026 VHSL Class 6 Region C Tournament.
While only one team could move on, both teams demonstrated tremendous skill and determination throughout the match! It was inspiring to watch these student-athletes compete at such a high level while representing their schools with pride.
Congratulations to the Woodson Cavaliers on advancing to the next round and congratulations to the Hayfield Hawks on an excellent season. I was proud to see so many well-rounded student-athletes thriving both on and off the field.
Great job to both teams!
Student Leadership Development Program Closing Ceremony
 I had the pleasure of attending the FCPS Student Leadership Program Closing Ceremony, celebrating a remarkable group of student leaders from across Fairfax County Public Schools.
Throughout the year, these students gained firsthand experience in local government, developed their leadership skills and contributed their voices to important conversations impacting our schools and community. It was inspiring to hear the program graduates reflect on their experiences with such confidence, poise, and conviction. Their growth as leaders was evident in every speech and presentation.
 (L-R) Interim Principal Mary Landis, Brandon Kim and Me
I was especially proud to work with my student representative, Brandon Kim from Oakton High School, whose passion for leadership, civic engagement, and public service was evident throughout the program.
Congratulations to Brandon and the other 11 student leaders on completing the FCPS Student Leadership Program. Their thoughtful engagement, commitment to service, and willingness to lead give me great confidence in the future of our schools and community.
Remembering Rob Hahne, Jr.
 I visited the memorial honoring the life and legacy of Rob Hahne, Jr., a beloved Northern Virginia community leader widely known as “Mr. Baseball.”
A Northern Virginia native, Rob was a standout pitcher at Langley High School before continuing his baseball career at Elon University. He later turned his passion for the game and dedication to young people into a lifelong vocation. Over the years, he coached more than 100 baseball teams, including ten years as head coach at Westfield High School, where he coached both of his sons. Beyond coaching, he served as Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Travel Baseball League, helped establish the Potomac League, and held leadership roles with numerous local and national athletic organizations.
During the memorial, many shared stories of Rob’s leadership, generosity, and the life lessons he passed on to generations of players. Two of his favorite phrases of wisdom were, “Flush it” and “Embrace the suck.” “Flush it” reminded players not to dwell on failures or disappointments, but to learn from them and move forward. “Embrace the suck” encouraged them to persevere through challenges, setbacks, and adversity with resilience and determination. These simple but powerful lessons reflected the way Rob lived his life and the example he set for others.
Whether mentoring young players, improving local athletic facilities, or simply showing up early on Saturday mornings to prepare fields for children to play, he dedicated his life to building community through service and kindness.
I was honored to join so many other community members in remembering and celebrating a life devoted to uplifting others. My thoughts remain with his wife, Kieran, his children Robert, Maddie, and Kyle, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable legacy.
Bulletin
New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. Middle and elementary school students are already prohibited from such use.
More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
Join our School Board Community Advisory Committee
Make Your Voice Heard!
Fairfax County Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for Community Advisory Committees for the 2026–27 school year. These committees serve as important bridges between the community and the School Board, helping shape policy, improve programs, and amplify diverse voices across FCPS.
🕒 Deadline to apply: Monday, June 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Here are the committees currently seeking members:
If you’re interested in serving, please email SBMoonStaff@fcps.edu with your resume, contact information, and a short statement explaining your interest in the specific committee.
Interviews will be conducted with selected applicants, and final appointments will be made at a School Board meeting in July.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. School Board Retreat, 10:00 a.m. Advisory Committee Summit
Monday, June 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Audit Committee
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 10:30 a.m. Forum, 11:30 a.m. All Day Work Session
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Public Engagement Committee
Individuals should check BoardDocs for the agenda for School Board meetings since there are closed meetings that often occur before the public portion of the meeting begins.
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2025 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information.
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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