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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 FCPS Community,
This week, I want to take a moment to celebrate the Class of 2026 and share several important updates from our most recent School Board meeting. From graduation ceremonies across the county to continued work on Skyview and updates to the school calendar policy, there is a lot happening that will affect students, families, and staff in the months ahead.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Congratulations to all of our FCPS Class of 2026 graduates! This is an exciting milestone for our students, families, educators, and school communities. I was grateful to attend graduation ceremonies across FCPS and celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of so many outstanding students.
To every graduate: we are proud of you and excited to see all that you will do next.
Skyview High School Update
At last night’s School Board meeting, I seconded the motion to approve the contract for architectural and design services for Skyview High School. This is an important step forward as we continue planning for the future of the school community.
The third boundary scenario proposal is expected to be released by Monday. Please continue sharing your input as this process moves forward. I am confident that the School Board will make a thoughtful decision that best serves students, families, and the broader community.
The final community meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Skyview High School and via Zoom. You can register for in-person attendance here. You can register for the Zoom meeting here.
Calendar Update
At last night’s meeting, the School Board approved revisions to Policy 1344, the Standard School Year Calendar policy. The updated policy establishes a clearer framework for developing future school calendars, with a focus on instructional continuity, predictability for families and staff, and a stronger effort to increase the number of full five-day school weeks.
The policy also directs the Superintendent to maintain three years of approved school calendars, giving families and employees more advance notice for planning. In addition, the policy codifies several religious holidays that FCPS has been recognizing, including Christmas, Diwali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
The revised policy passed by a vote of 8-4. I supported the motion because I believe families, students, and staff benefit from clearer expectations, more predictable planning, and a calendar that better protects instructional time.
The Board also approved a follow-on motion to establish a Calendar Review Committee. This committee will advise the Superintendent on the development of future school year calendars and will include one appointee from each School Board member, along with representatives from key stakeholder groups identified by the Superintendent. That motion passed 11-1.
Lastly, the calendar survey is still open. If you received a survey, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback is important as FCPS continues working to develop calendars that best support students, families, and staff.
Thank you again to everyone who continues to engage with my office, I appreciate your input & feedback. I hope the final days of the school year go well for everyone and, once again, congratulations to the class of 2026!
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Other Updates
🚺 Commission for Women Student Member
The Fairfax County Commission for Women is seeking a college or high school student interested in serving on the Commission for one or two school terms. The student will serve as a voting member and help the Commission become more aware of issues facing young women and girls. The student will also inform students and school organizations about the work of the Commission. Eligible students must be 16 years or older and a resident of Fairfax County. Application: https://bit.ly/4ub1HfR. Learn more about the Commission for Women’s work here: https://bit.ly/3mlrjc9
📵 Updated FCPS Cellphone Policy Starts July 1: No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students
Under a new Virginia cellphone law (SB108) and the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunch time, starting July 1. This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other items connected to the internet. During the school day, including during lunch time, all students will have to keep cellphones and other smart devices off and stored in a locker, backpack, pouch, purse, etc. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. Visit the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage for more information.
🛡️ Scroll Smart. Post Smart. Stay Safe.
The Fairfax County Police Department encourages teens and parents to stay informed, have open conversations about digital safety, and practice smart online habits throughout the summer months. Read recommendations to stay safe online this summer.
🎓 SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2026
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams for the 2026-27 school year will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual learner (ML) supports.
If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 3, to request new or updated College Board testing accommodations.
If you have a multilingual learner entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 27, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
📅 Early Release Wednesdays for 2026-27
FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. The number of days has been reduced from eight to four.
Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.
Visit the FCPS website for more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.
📰 FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Celebrating Graduates
- Early Release Days for Next Year
- SAT School Day Accommodations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Calendar Reminder
- 🇺🇸 Last Day of School (Early Dismissal) - Wednesday, June 17: Students will be dismissed early. Check with your child's school for its individual dismissal time.
- Teacher Workday - Thursday, June 18
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Juneteenth - Friday, June 19: Holiday for FCPS employees. Schools and offices will be closed.
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See the complete school year calendar.
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
FCPS celebrates the rich diversity and honors the many contributions of immigrants of Caribbean heritage to our nation during the month of June. Caribbean individuals are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world. There are more than 8.5 million individuals in the United States born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean ancestry. Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month.
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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