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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 Dranesville Families:
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, our schools are celebrating the incredible accomplishments, creativity, and resilience of our students and staff. It has been a privilege to attend recent performances, academic showcases, and athletic events that highlight a year of hard work. These milestones truly reflect the strength of our FCPS community and what we can achieve by working together.
Policy Updates
Over the last few months, the Governance Committee has continued its vital policy work. Alongside four of my School Board colleagues, I have prioritized the FCPS Standard School Year Calendar (Policy 1344) and the development of a new Innovation in Instructional Technology Policy. Recently, the Board directed the Superintendent to form an Educational Technology Review Committee. This group will ensure that instructional technology is implemented thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly across our district, and I look forward to their insights.
Budget & Fiscal Responsibility
FCPS is working diligently to address financial challenges as we prepare for FY2027. We are currently facing a $28 million budget gap that must be resolved. To bridge this shortfall, Dr. Reid has proposed several measures, including:
- Reducing the staffing reserve and the Superintendent’s Strategic Reserve.
- Leveraging alternative maintenance funding.
- Extending the refresh cycle for FCPSOn devices.
- Deferring micro-credentialing and math curriculum adoption materials.
Please review our remaining Budget Timeline below, leading up to the Board vote scheduled on May 21st. As always, we remain committed to supporting our students and staff while balancing fiscal responsibility with high-quality education.
I am thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2026 as graduations begin in just three weeks! As summer nears, I know we will finish this year strong while looking forward to a well-deserved period of rest and renewal.
Regards,
Robyn
Robyn Lady brought the FCPS National Police Week Proclamation which celebrates our SROs who support our schools, the Fairfax County police departments, and honors those who have died in the line of duty and their families.
FCPS FY2027 Budget
FCPS remains committed to sustaining excellence, despite challenging financial circumstances, including the current uncertainty around the Virginia budget. FCPS is proud to educate one quarter of all multilingual learners in Virginia, and under the new Standards of Accreditation, 100% of our schools are fully accredited. We have more Distinguished or On Track schools than the entire commonwealth. And we saw a 37% increase in our National Merit semifinalists compared to last year as well as other celebration data points we continue to share with our community. This excellence comes despite the significant reductions we had to make in Fiscal Year 2026.
Our strategic priorities for this budget include:
Investing in the Workforce
- Remain committed to leading the region in attracting and retaining the best talent across the education field.
- Maintain originally agreed upon compensation to honor collective bargaining agreements.
Excellence in the Classroom
- Restore funding for elementary special education department chairs, advanced academic resource teachers, and partially restore staffing formula adjustments.
- Invest in certified athletic trainers at high schools and provide a dedicated family liaison at every school.
- Maintain the Middle School After-School Program.
Fiscal Stewardship
- Recommend adjustments that strategically minimize disruption to core school operations.
- Utilize one-time funding responsibly to bridge the gap during state funding uncertainty.
Budget Information
Information on the FCPS, Fairfax County, and Virginia budgets:
Where Does the Funding Come From?
Most of the operating budget comes from the county, primarily through residential real estate property taxes.
Here is a breakdown of our funding sources:
- 68.5% County Transfer
- 21.1% State Aid
- 6.3% Sales Tax
- 1.9% City of Fairfax
- 1.2% Federal Aid
- 1% Beginning Balances and Other
FCPS receives about a quarter of its funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia through state aid and sales tax revenue and a fraction from federal aid. Most of FCPS' funding comes from the county transfer, which is the funding allocated to FCPS by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Recommendations for FY27 Adjustments
FCPS is currently facing a $28 million budget gap that needs to be addressed. At this time, Dr. Reid is proposing to make up the difference by:
- Reducing the staffing reserve.
- Leveraging alternative major maintenance funding.
- Extending the time to refresh FCPSOn technology devices.
- Deferring micro-credentialing.
- Reducing math adoption curriculum materials.
- Reducing the Superintendent’s Strategic Reserve.
Budget Timeline
Today, May 12- School Board holds a public hearing on the budget
May 14- School Board budget work session
May 21- School Board adopts approved budget
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates for School Board meetings.
May 7th School Board Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Key Votes
SR&R
The School Board voted to adopt Regulation 2601.40, Student Rights and Responsibilities. View more on BoardDocs.
School Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the Superintendent to evaluate the potential academic, financial, and operational impacts of a balanced school calendar (for particular schools and pyramids or the division as a whole); in the event the Superintendent finds a balanced school calendar would provide significant benefits (for particular schools and pyramids or the division as a whole), she will present her recommendations to the School Board by January 2027. View more on BoardDocs.
Presentations
FY 2027 Approved Budget
Materials
Academic Matters- Secondary Literacy Update
Materials
Strategic Plan Update- Dr. Reid discussed Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered, specifically positive school climate (safety, inclusion, and sense of belonging; academic support; inclusive, academically-focused culture; and teacher-student trust).
May 5th Forum and Work Session
Forum Topics
Work Session Topics
- Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Discussion
- Artificial Intelligence
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Recording (at 01:31:53)
- AI Panel Discussion with the School Board: The Shape of Things to Come
- Board Artificial Intelligence (AI) Discussion
- Policy 1344, Standard School Year Calendar
Governance Committee Meetings
Upcoming Meeting:
You can watch previous Governance Committee Meetings where we discussed the Innovation in Instructional Technology Policy and Calendar Policy.
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April 21
- Innovation in Instructional Technology Policy (at 01:13:23)
- Calendar Policy (at 00:04:20)
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April 14
- Innovation in Instructional Technology Policy (at 00:19:40)
- Calendar Policy (at 01:40:10)
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March 17
- Innovation in Instructional Technology Policy (at 00:02:55)
- Calendar Policy (at 01:23:00)
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m.- Budget Committee of the Whole
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Tuesday, May 19 at 4 p.m.- Governance Committee
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Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
FCPS Updates
School Board Adopts New Cell Phone Policy and Updates to SR&R Document for SY 2026-27
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation.. The SR&R outlines expectations for student behavior, parent/guardian engagement, and adult responses. With a focus on promoting positive behavior, the SR&R encourages safety at schools and creates equitable, supportive school environments.
The approved changes include updated guidance for carrying and using cell phones and other personal devices connected to the internet. The changes align the FCPS cell phone policy with SB108, a new Virginia law. SB108 goes into effect on July 1, 2026, and states that all schools in the state must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, phones, cell phone accessories, and smart devices are prohibited and must be off and personally stored for the duration of the bell-to-bell school day. High school students will no longer be able to use cell phones, cell phone accessories, and smart devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage.
FCPS Receives Regional Gold Level Baldrige Award
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been named a recipient of the 2026 Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence by The Partnership for Excellence (TPE). FCPS’ recognition is the first time an education applicant has won the Gold Award the first time they applied. The recognition followed a rigorous examination process, including 25-page and 50-page applications, school and site visits from more than a dozen Baldrige examiners, and interviews with FCPS staff members.
Megan Vroman Appointed Chief of Schools
FCPS is proud to announce the appointment of Megan Vroman as the new chief of schools. Ms. Vroman, who currently serves as the assistant superintendent of Region 2, brings a wealth of experience, a strategic vision for student success, and a proven track record of instructional excellence to this critical executive leadership role.
In her time leading Region 2, Ms. Vroman has delivered measurable impacts, such as achieving the highest increase in eighth grade Algebra 1 access across all regions, and implementing a successful region-wide multilingual learner strategic plan that produced meaningful results. Under that plan, Region 2 students have led the division in English language acquisition growth, with multilingual learners exceeding district growth at both the elementary and secondary levels.
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FCPS Retirement Ceremony
 The annual Retirement Ceremony, We Honor You, was held on Wednesday, April 29 to celebrate 160 of our retirees at Thomas Jefferson HSST. Retirees, along with their family and friends, FCPS' Leadership Team, and School Board members, attended the event. Thank you to all our newly retired staff members for all the ways you have supported and empowered our students and families, each other, and our division over the years.
Robyn Lady attended the SEPTA Excellence Awards which honors the extraordinary efforts of FCPS educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, specialists, students, schools, and community members who make a lasting impact on students with disabilities.
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season. It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders
Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. Get more information on all student immunization requirements. Additional immunization resources are also available.
It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App
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The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. Download the FCPS mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app, you can:
- Stay up to date
- View school calendars
- Check school menus
- Tap to contact
- Access key links
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The Franklin Sherman ES and Herndon HS Inclusion Phase 1 Exhibitions of Learning
Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and five years (children must be two by September 30, 2026).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process.
Student Journalists Meet With Superintendent to Discuss AI in Education
 FCPS Superintendent Dr. Reid and Chief Information Technology Officer Sethi met with student journalists from every high school for a discussion about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education. Watch this video about the panel.
Safety Corner- eBikes and e-Scooters
As a reminder, motorized bikes and scooters are not permitted on school grounds at any time. Police will be notified if there are any such vehicles on school grounds. If community members witness a motorized vehicle on school grounds, please alert the police department.
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Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
FCPS Global Action Showcase
Robyn Lady attending the 2026 FCPS Global Action Showcase.
The 2026 FCPS Global Action Showcase, held on April 28 at Lake Braddock SS, highlighted student projects from the Global Classroom Project and Global Leaders of Fairfax County. The event celebrated international collaborations focused on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring student presentations on environmental, local, and global impact.
Community Updates
Farmers Markets Return
Local farmers markets are open for the season! Shop for a variety of fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and more at our markets. SNAP is accepted at the Reston Farmers Market.
- Herndon Farmers Market- Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- McLean Farmers Market - Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Reston Farmers Market - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
County Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter.
CDC Update: Protect your Family from Measles before Summer Travel
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.
Since early 2025, measles cases have been increasing in the United States and in many places around the world. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. If you’re unsure if you’re protected against measles, talk to your doctor about MMR vaccine, especially if you or your child plan to travel. Visit CDC's measles website for the latest news.
While we can’t predict where measles will spread, outbreaks occur when measles is introduced into communities with large numbers of people who are not protected against measles. CDC continues to recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best way to prevent measles.
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Vaccination timing tips
With spring and summer travel season approaching, plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before your trip. If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you're not protected, you should still get a dose of MMR vaccine. Call your doctor or your local health department; or locate a health center or clinic near you to schedule an appointment for the MMR vaccine.
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Car Washing the Right Way
With all the pollen visibly sticking to our vehicles, the need to clean is strong! But did you know that washing your car at home can have negative effects? This is because many detergents and cleaners have chemicals that are not eco-friendly. When the suds run down the storm drains, they flow right into rivers and streams contaminating them. Please consider taking your vehicle to a commercial carwash, which are regulated facilities that are required to dispose properly of cleaners.
For those with limited resources who are unable to afford a car wash, we recommend washing vehicles on a grassy surface. Use mild detergents, preferably those that are phosphate free. Also, turning off the hose while washing and then rinsing quickly are a good way to limit runoff.
Impact Northern Virginia’s Tree Health and Native Plants
Mini-grants for invasive plant control- May 14
7:30 p.m., Zoom presentation and Q&A.- Grant funding is available to community associations and faith communities to assist in rescuing trees from invasive vines and controlling other invasive plants. To initiate the application process, please visit the Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM website for details on scheduling a site visit with an experienced volunteer.
Report your native tree and shrub plantings
Please help Northern Virginia meet its tree-planting obligations by reporting your tree and shrub plantings here. So far 21,502 have been reported!
Report your tree rescues
Millions of trees in Northern Virginia are at risk from invasive non-native vines. You can help by saving them on your own land or by volunteering on public land. So far, 24,059 tree rescues have been reported in Northern Virginia. In Fairfax or Falls Church, please report here instead.
Be Stroke Smart - Learn Warning Signs and Act Fast
 Strokes, brain damage caused by a lack of blood flow, are the number one cause of long-term disability in the U.S with one in six people being affected.
Fairfax County has been proclaimed as Stroke Smart, an initiative that aims to reduce disability and death from strokes by educating you to recognize the signs of a stroke and to be confident calling 9-1-1 immediately when necessary. Watch the Stroke Smart video.
Remember to look for the signs and BE FAST:
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Balance- Loss of Balance, Headache or Dizziness
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Eyes- Blurred Vision
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Face- One Side of the Face is Drooping
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Arms- Arm or Leg Weakness
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Speech- Speech Difficulty
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Time- Time to Call for an Ambulance Immediately
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
FCPS Students Named Winners of National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Nine FCPS students have been awarded 2026 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 700 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations. See the list of National Merit scholarship winners.
Congratulations to these Dranesville students:
- Risha Potluri of Langley HS (business administration), National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship.
- Nicholas Lee of McLean HS (undecided), National Merit Northrop Grumman Scholarship.
- Rachel Du of Thomas Jefferson HSST (computer science), National Merit Ellucian Scholarship.
Two FCPS Students Receive Grand Prize Award at 2026 Virginia State Science Fair
Two FCPS students earned top honors at the 2026 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, with their innovative research projects receiving Grand Prize awards. Their work highlights the depth of talent and scientific inquiry across FCPS, and both projects will advance to the international level of competition. Read more about the science fair winners.
400 Students Earn International Baccalaureate Diplomas and Career-Related Certificates
Nearly 400 FCPS students earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and 76 students earned the IB Career-Related Certificate in 2025. The IB Diploma and Career-Related Programs aim to develop students who are internationally-minded, knowledgeable, and compassionate lifelong learners prepared for higher education and the world of work. View the list of students recognized by the IB program.
Connecting Families and Schools: First-Class Awards and the Special Education Family Conference
Each year, FCPS hosts the Special Education Family Conference. The free, in-person event is held in collaboration with a wide range of internal and external community partners to support families and educators. Attendance this year more than doubled, with nearly 500 community members joining for a Saturday of learning. Read about the conference and see the list of individuals and groups recognized with First-Class Awards.
Here are the 2026 Dranesville Winners for their respective categories:
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Elementary School Teacher:
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Liz Smith, special education teacher, Aldrin Elementary School
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Specialty Program Staff:
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Meredith Renard, special education teacher, Davis Career Center
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Julieta Luna Lopez, public health training assistant, Davis Career Center
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Franklin Sherman Elementary Inclusion Team:
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Katy Allen, special education teacher
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Robyn Carter, special education teacher
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Sophia Chavez, special education teacher
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Carol Clark, elementary special education department chair
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Emily Clausen, kindergarten teacher
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Sara Eichmeier, grades 4-6 teacher
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Anna Elston, grades 4-6 teacher
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Marie Fletcher, special education teacher
- Whitney Graves, special education teacher
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Rebecca Kaufman, speech language pathologist
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Sarah Mantel, grades 1-3 teacher
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Evelyn Pahis-Mastakas, grades 1-3 teacher
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Savannah Simmons, grades 1-3 teacher
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Lynda Singletary, special education teacher
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Romona Wright, grades 4-6 teacher
Marshall High School's production of Footloose.
FCPS Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education
Fairfax County Public Schools has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Read about this honor and music education in FCPS.
Hundreds Perform at Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival
For more than 50 years, the All-County Sixth Grade Choral Festival has been a cornerstone of the Fairfax County Public Schools community, a testament to the dedication and beautiful artistry of our sixth grade singers.
Experience the pure joy of their music and understand the profound and enduring importance of the arts in nurturing creativity and shaping young lives.
Clearview ES
Clearview Elementary proudly recognizes its Science Olympiad team for their strong performance and excellence at the recent Division A tournament. Students demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and problem solving across a variety of events, from engineering challenges like Build-a-Barge, Chopper Challenge, and Tower Power to academic competitions such as Anatomy Academy, Rockstars, and Solar System. Additional highlights included creative thinking in DaVinci Decoders, careful observation in Sherlock Foams, and hands-on experimentation in The Great Experimenter. Their effort and enthusiasm were evident throughout the event.
Great Falls ES
Junior Japan Bowl is a team-based national academic competition modeled after the National Japan Bowl that is hosted virtually by J-LEARN (Japanese Language Education Advocacy and Resource Network). Junior Japan Bowl provides all students from Grades 1-8 who are learning Japanese free and equal opportunity to learn about Japan’s language, history, and culture and to compete with fellow students.
On Friday, April 24th, 23 GFES students participated in the 10th annual Junior Japan Bowl! Congratulations to all the Great Falls students:
- Level 1 (Grades 1-3): 76 teams; 220 students
- GFES had 3 teams place in the top 15 (6th, 7th and 11th) and 3 students place in the top 25
- Level 2 (Grades 4-6): 86 teams; 254 students
- GFES had 4 teams place in the top 20 and 4 students place in the top 25
Herndon ES
We are grateful to the Herndon Women’s Club for exploring a generous donation to support our new library space, along with a future Little Free Library ("Take a Book. Share a Book.") to be installed near our front entrance.
Kent Gardens ES
Science Olympiad Division A Tournament- Our students represented us at the Science Olympiad. We placed in 22 of the 24 events with 47 medals including 5 first place finishes with many second and third place finishes as well. Our third and fourth graders worked hard and had fun while participating in challenging events! Thanks to Mr. Shivnen and our parents for supporting and participating!
Stock Market Game Winners- Kent Gardens teams participated in the Stock Market Game hosted by the Virginia Council on Economic Education. Ms. Bulford created sixth grade teams and they learned a great deal as they worked to grow an initial investment of $100,000. We had the winning team for the state of Virginia! They were able to grow their initial investment of $100,000 to $200,093.17.
Lemon Road ES
Our Food Services Team won an award recognizing our school kitchen team as a top performing kitchen based on their skills, service, participation level and overall FNS excellence! It was quite an honor to recognize Ms. Son and her amazing team.
Longfellow MS
Debate Team Results- Congratulations to Jayden Lam and Aidan Xuan, who placed 5th at the Middle School Tournament of Champions, hosted by the University of Kentucky. This is a national and international competition with 228 middle school teams, and Jayden and Aidan locked in over 10 rounds (and even bested the top seeded player in one round!) to reach the quarterfinals. We are so proud of our Longfellow debaters.
Model UN- Longfellow Model UN wrapped up an incredibly successful season with a great competition at Washington-Liberty. In all, Longfellow Model UN received 3 delegation awards, and 35 individual awards, including 11 best delegate awards this year. Congratulations to the entire Model UN team on a very successful year.
MathCounts Results- Several of our MathCounts team members competed at the Carderock Math Competition this past weekend. The team of Youyi Cao, Zelman Zhang, Henry Yang, and Seui Ahn placed SECOND overall. Youyi Cao was the only girl to make it to the Countdown Rounds and also placed THIRD as an Individual in the Carderock Competition
McLean HS
Theatre McLean performed a production of Clue.
Silver Award at the USA Artificial Intelligence Olympiad-Congratulations to Ethan Ma, a sophomore at McLean High School. He earned a Silver Award at the USA Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (USAAIO). Competing in Round 2 held at MIT in early April, Ethan secured this honor in his debut appearance. His achievement stands out within a highly competitive national field, showcasing exceptional skill in artificial intelligence and machine learning problem-solving.
Commitment to Cultural Exchange- Samuel Cosentino earned an award in recognition of his commitment to cultural exchange. The High School Diplomats Scholarship recognizes Sam’s selection to participate in a 10-day cultural exchange program, bringing together American and Japanese students at the University of Virginia in July 2026. We celebrate his curiosity, openness, and leadership, and look forward to the impact he will make as a global ambassador of connection and understanding. Congratulations Sam!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
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No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All HS Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
Child's Mental Wellness- Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and intensive and other services.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional assistance can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
Food Allergy Awareness Month
The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.
To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs. Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students.
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Memorial Day - May 25
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day.
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Eid al-Adha - May 27
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha and schools and offices are closed.
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Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
Sustain Fairfax Earth Month Youth Art Contest
Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) invites students (grades 4-12) to showcase how they are taking action for our planet in the Sustain Fairfax Earth Month Youth Art Contest. Students are encouraged to submit original artwork supporting the theme “My Action, Our Climate”, highlighting climate actions they complete and the impacts of those actions. Artwork submissions are due by May 15, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Explore May Family Academy Opportunities
Stay up to date on all offerings throughout May! The Family Academy is excited to offer a variety of classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. Find registration opportunities and more details on the “Learn With Us” tab of the FCPS Family Academy page
FRC 2026 Summer Camp Guide
Still searching for summer camp opportunities? The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers a summer camp guide, along with several other guides for FCPS families, schools, and the community. You can view all available guides at the Family Resource Center website.
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New Study on Parenting, Patience, and Disability: Your Voice is Needed
The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing at Baylor University invites your involvement in a first-of-its-kind longitudinal (over 4 years) research study exploring how parents experience and understand patience while raising children with developmental disabilities (ages 11-17). What does patience look like in this unique season? How might it help and what makes it so hard? They want to learn how to better support parents as their children with disabilities transition toward adulthood.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
Empowerment Center’s Summer 2026 English Classes
These classes are designed for adult English learners and focus on building practical communication skills to support success at work, at home, and in the community. See the class schedule to learn more and apply, and help us spread the word!
IGNITE at the Old Firehouse
Bring the whole family to OFC IGNITE, the newly reimagined monthly Saturday play experience at The Old Firehouse! Drop in to enjoy ping pong, bridge, Mah Jongg, arcade games, refreshments, food, the Sensory Room and more. Each Ignite Saturday features a special theme, plus full access to all OFC activities!
Upcoming Saturday Themed Open Play:
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June 6- FIFA World Cup Tournament
11th Congressional District Youth Leadership Council Applications
Congressman James R. Walkinshaw’s Youth Leadership Council provides HS students in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District with a platform to engage directly with issues impacting their communities while developing meaningful leadership and civic engagement skills. Council members will meet with a diverse group of peers from across the district to discuss issues of importance, review legislation, develop policy recommendations to present to the Congressman, and hear from leaders in government and the community.
Students in grades 9 through 12 who reside in the district are eligible to apply. Applications will close on June 30 at 5 p.m.
NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is seeking students to design posters for the 2026 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘Soil. Where It All Begins.” This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn the VASWCD Poster Contest Patch. Entries are due June 30, 2026.
Volunteer at MCC!- Upcoming Opportunities
Be part of the excitement and give back to your community by volunteering with the McLean Community Center (MCC). Upcoming opportunities include McLean Day in May and the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration in June.
Volunteers (ages 16+) are needed throughout the year to support a variety of events and activities. Advance registration through the Fairfax County Volunteer Management System (VMS) is required to participate. Once you register, you can browse and sign up for available opportunities.
Summer 2026 Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs
Inova Cares 2026 Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs Free physicals and immunizations for children (ages 5+, Medicaid or uninsured only). For an appointment, call 703-698-2550 (no walk-ins).
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June 27: Inova Cares Manassas
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July 25: Inova Cares Falls Church
FCPL America 250 Reading Challenge- through December
Participating in the America 250 Bingo Adventure is as easy as 1-2-3! Through December 31, go to Beanstack and register for the America 250 Bingo Adventure. Complete the full bingo board by reading or listening to books and completing activities. Finishers who complete the full bingo card will be entered into drawings for prizes at the end of the adventure.
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ACE- Thousands of Affordable Classes Available!
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers more than 3,000 in-person or online courses to increase your skill, raise your value, and enrich your life! Find Industry Certifications in Business, Trades or Healthcare careers, or explore to find want to learn something fun on your own time.
$700 Scholarships Available for Veterinary Assistant Careers
Class starts June 13 at the Plum Center in Springfield. Spaces fill quickly, so enroll today. If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship, please email educationalcounseling@fcps.edu before registering for the class.
Never Miss a Show! Subscribe to the Fine and Performing Arts Calendar
Take a look at the Fine and Performing Arts calendar on FCPS’ website for individual listings of middle and high school theater events. You can also subscribe to the calendar for notifications of upcoming performances.
Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students- May 13
Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available to students in FCPS.
This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m., and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and participation in career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.
Building Resilient Families: Preventing Substance Abuse in Youth- May 14
7 to 8:30 p.m.- Substance use can be a hard topic to raise—but early, thoughtful conversations make a difference. The Safe Community Coalition would like to invite you to their FREE monthly parent discussion group.
Empower yourself with knowledge and tools at our substance abuse and prevention discussion. Learn how to proactively address substance abuse signs and risks to promote healthy development in your children. Led by: Carey Hitchcock, MSW, and Cate Riihimaki, LPC Location: McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
McLean Day- May 15 &16
Friday, May 15 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Saturday, May 16 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.- McLean Day is McLean’s biggest and best annual festival at Lewinsville Park. Live music, large and small carnival rides, gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, sponsors, giveaways, 100+ exhibitors, balloon animals, games, a magician, petting zoo, amusements and much more! General admission for McLean Day is free, but tickets are required for anyone who wants to enjoy the carnival rides.
Additionally, voting will be available for the MCC Governing Board Youth and Adult Candidates from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
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Beyond High School: Preparing Twice- exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life- May 15
10 to 11:30 a.m.- Families will learn strategies to support 2e students in developing executive functioning skills and essential life skills while empowering them to navigate college, career, and independent life successfully.
Nathaniel Aguilar Spring Concert- May 15
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.- Join us for an unforgettable performance by Nathaniel Aguilar, a professional percussionist and keyboardist based in New York City. A dynamic performer, educator and songwriter, Nathaniel brings a rich blend of rhythm and melody through drums, piano, synthesizer and vibraphone. Free admission; registration required MCC Community Hall (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
TJHSST Techstravaganza- May 16
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for ES and MS students in Northern Virginia. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum.
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Dranesville HS Sports Physical Night Dates
If you have a middle school or high school athlete competing in the 2026-27 school year consider participating in your HS’s sports physical nights. The proceeds support the high school’s Athletic Training Program. Rising middle school students, specifically those who will be in 7th or 8th grade (and rising 6th graders at Poe, Glasgow, and Holmes middle schools) in SY26-27 interested in participating in the middle school sports program are eligible to receive a FREE athletic physical exam through these events. SY 26-27 VHSL Physicals are valid dated after May 1, 2026.
- Herndon HS Sports Physical Night
- Monday, May 18: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Herndon HS (700 Bennett St, Herndon)
- McLean HS Sports Physical Night
- Thursday, May 28: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- McLean HS (1633 Davidson Rd, McLean)
- Westfield HS Physicals Fundraiser
- Tuesday, June 2: 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
- Westfield HS (4700 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly)
- Contact WestfieldHSATP@fcps.edu for more information
- Thomas Jefferson HSST Sports Physical Night
- Wednesday, June 3: time to be decided
- Thomas Jefferson HSST (6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria)
- Please contact Leah Conte, lmconte@fcps.edu, with questions.
- Marshall HS Sports Physical Night
- Thursday, June 11: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Marshall HS (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church)
Narcan Training- May 28
7 to 8:30 p.m.- Join us for REVIVE training, hosted by the Chris Atwood Foundation and the Safe Community Coalition, to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. REVIVE is Virginia's Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Program for Lay Rescuers and is available to all but teens under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants who complete the full training will receive Naloxone so you’ll be prepared if you ever need it. Location: McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
Polar Heat on Lynn Street- May 16
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.- Join us for this free event on Saturday, May 16 where everything is themed hot or cold—from food and activities to entertainment and community experiences. One side of Lynn Street will bring the heat, while the other keeps things cool. Free shuttle.
Enjoy:
- Two stages of entertainment (Hot Beats Stage & Cool Vibes Stage)
- Hot & cold themed food
- Interactive activities like a snowball fight, s’mores station, and more
- Community booths and family-friendly fun all day long
Herndon Community Picnic- June 3
6 p.m.- Join us for a community cookout and conversation. Bring your own blankets and chairs! Complimentary food will be served from 6-7:30pm. This event is free to the public and preregistration is not required. It will be held at the Town Green behind the Herndon Municipal Center (777 Lynn Street, Herndon) *Rain date June 10th
Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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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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