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 Hello, Springfield District,
This spring has been filled with opportunities to celebrate student voice, school communities, and the many milestones that make this season so meaningful across FCPS. I had the pleasure of participating as a government official in West Springfield High School’s 11th-grade Honors US/VA History monument project, holding a technology town hall to connect with parents, and being on hand to congratulate Fairfax High School Principal Dr. Georgina Aye, The Washington Post Principal of the Year.
It was also wonderful to celebrate excellence across our division at FCPS Honors. So many of the Springfield District principals, teachers, and staff members were represented. I am constantly in awe of our amazing staff! We were also able to honor one of our former amazing staff members, Marsha Manning, the first principal of South County Middle School. In a small gesture to her service, the South County Middle School Library will be renamed in dedication to Ms. Manning and stand for all that she did to build community for South County families.
But, in all the craziness of this time of year, my favorite part is graduation season! And, this one was no exception. Watching the joy, pride, and inspiration of our students and their families while we celebrate the penultimate achievement in their high school career is a special time for me. This year, I was able to join eleven different ceremonies and cheer on our amazing graduates! Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Bryant, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Mount Vernon, Mountain View, South County, West Potomac, and West Springfield high schools, as well as Lake Braddock and Robinson secondary schools. Your hard work, resilience, and accomplishments are worth celebrating, and I cannot wait to see where your next chapter takes you. Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Don’t forget to complete FCPS’ calendar survey that was emailed on Friday, June 5, from noreply@fcps.edu by Monday, June 22, at 11:59 p.m.
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
Follow along on social media!
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Springfield Scene
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Alexa Ralston, a Centreville High School graduate who also attended Chantilly Academy, was part of the FCPS Teachers for Tomorrow program, which gives students hands-on experience in the field of education while they are still in high school.
For Ralston’s required internship, she chose to return to Union Mill, the elementary school she attended, to work with Sara Kennedy, the special education teacher who taught her from fourth through sixth grade. Read their incredible story.
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Shout out to Centreville’s Baseball Team for winning the Northern Region Championship!
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The Chantilly Academy Air Force JROTC Program received the Distinguished Unit Award, recognizing the exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and service demonstrated by the cadets and instructors. Additionally, Lt. Col. Rue was named the Region 4, Subregion 5 Outstanding Officer Instructor for the second year in a row, recognizing his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to cadet success! Congratulations!
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Congratulations to Fairfax High School Principal Dr. Georgina Aye for being named the Washington Post Principal of the Year! This honor recognizes Dr. Aye’s transformative leadership and her unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive, high-achieving community for students, staff, and families.
The nomination spoke of how she inspires academic excellence and professional growth at Fairfax High School. Under her transformational leadership, the school experienced a significant increase in enrollment for Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, and honors courses. Her focus on support for all students led to the school receiving its first-ever Purple Star School recognition for its work with military-connected families.
Read more in FCPS News.
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Kudos to Fairfax Academy’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying cast and crew for winning Best Musical at the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards. Additionally, John Poncy won Best Actor and will move on to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City, and will perform on Broadway!
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Katherine Johnson Middle School U.S. History teacher, Mr. Corey Knight, for being named the City of Fairfax Rotary Teacher of the Year! Way to go!
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The Region 4 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce Cathy Wood as the new principal of Keene Mill Elementary School.
Ms. Wood joins the Keene Mill Elementary School community with 18 years of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and is a dedicated and proven educational leader with a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, collaborative school cultures and driving academic excellence for all students.
Ms. Wood most recently comes from Laurel Ridge Elementary School, where she has served as an Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal. During her tenure at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, Ms. Wood successfully collaborated with the Advanced Academic Office to build and implement a local full-time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) center. Under her leadership, the number of students identified for AAP services and those qualifying for Advanced Math nearly doubled. Furthermore, Ms. Wood brings a wealth of experience in managing and supporting specialized programs. At Laurel Ridge Elementary School, she managed a partial Spanish Immersion program, working closely with the World Language Office, teachers, and parents to pilot new initiatives and foster a united school culture. She also brings experience in supporting comprehensive special education services, ensuring every child’s individual needs are met through strong Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
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Ms. Wood’s dedication to instructional excellence is evident throughout her career in FCPS. By prioritizing strong classroom instruction, strategic intervention, and targeted data analysis, she has consistently helped grade-level teams significantly increase student achievement and SOL pass rates.
Ms. Wood holds an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies from James Madison University.
Ms. Wood is incredibly excited to bring her passion for learning and dedication to relationship-building to the Keene Mill community. Please join us in congratulating Cathy Wood on her new role as principal of Keene Mill Elementary School, effective August 1, 2026.
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Shout out to Lake Braddock Secondary School Speech Team member Brianna Le for being named the 2026 National Champion in declamation speaking at the National Catholic Forensics League’s Middle School Championship Tournament! She is the fourth Lake Braddock student in history to win a national championship in forensics and the first to do so in a public speaking event rather than debate!
Congratulations to Lake Braddock’s Gretchen Parrott for receiving an Educate Fairfax scholarship at their second annual Beyond the Tassel Scholarship Celebration! Read more in FCPS News.
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Kudos to Lake Braddock’s Girls Soccer Team for claiming the Occoquan Region title!
Congratulations to Lake Braddock’s Amelia Cole for winning the VHSL Girls Outdoor Track 100-meter hurdles state championship with a time of 13.87, a new personal record and a new school record!
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This spring, the Liberty Middle School science classroom welcomed baby chicks, giving students a chance to connect their learning to real life. The chicks were hatched right in the classroom over about 22 days, making the experience even more exciting and meaningful for students.
As part of recent lessons on heredity, DNA, and traits, students focused on observing the chicks and identifying differences between them. They noticed variations in feather color, size, and other distinguishing features, helping them better understand how traits can vary within a species. Seeing these differences firsthand made abstract science concepts more concrete.
Read more on the Liberty website.
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Mountain View High School graduate Trey Heathe was featured in FCPS News for his persistence after overcoming hardship to build his future one cut at a time. ✂️
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After exploring the 7 requirements of a Living Building, Mountain View Environmental Science students visited the Woodlands Stewardship Learning Center—a certified Living Building—and left inspired to design their own in class.
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Shout out to the Oakton High School Girls Soccer Team for taking the Region Championship title and to the Boys Outdoor Track 4x100-meter relay Team for winning the VHSL Class 6 state championship!
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Kudos to Robinson Secondary School’s Boys and Girls Lacrosse Teams for winning the Occoquan Region championships!
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Additionally, Robinson’s Oliva Jones won the VHSL Girls Outdoor Track 400-meter dash state championship, and Petra Gruendel won the 1600-meter run state championship! Way to go!
The winning continues with Robinson earning the 2025-26 Sherman Read Cup! Established on June 20, 2007, by the West Springfield Rotary Club, the Sherman Read Memorial Cup honors Leslie Sherman (West Springfield HS) and Mary Read (Annandale HS), two student-athletes who lost their lives in the April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech shootings. The traveling cup celebrates its legacy of leadership, enthusiasm, and selfless service.
The cup is awarded annually to the Patriot District high school (Alexandria City, Fairfax, Lake Braddock, Robinson, South County, West Potomac, and Woodson) with the best overall record in sports and activities.
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Congratulations to South County High School for being named a 2026 Jostens Gold School of Distinction for fostering an exceptional culture, meaningful student engagement, and strong community connections! Even more impressively, this recognition places South County among the top 2% of Renaissance schools nationwide, a testament to the extraordinary dedication, unwavering spirit, and collective excellence of our students, staff, families, and community partners.
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Shout out to South County’s Ryan Charters for completing his Eagle Scout project on campus! Ryan designed and built several beautiful tables and benches that will provide students with inviting spaces to gather, collaborate, and connect for years to come. Way to go!
South County’s Dexter Burris was recently featured in FCPS News for his costume artistry and ARTiFAX Best in Artistry Award. Read more!
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Kudos to South County Middle School’s Boys Track 4x400-meter relay team for winning the FCPS Middle School Track Championships!
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Congratulations to West Springfield High School’s Softball Team for winning the Occoquan Region Championship! |
The accolades continue with West Springfield’s Nicholas Bailey winning the VHSL Class 6 400-meter dash state title! Way to go!
🏆 2026 FCPS Honors Recognition Ceremony
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, Lake Braddock Secondary School Principal Lindsey Kearns, and Chief of Schools Megan Vroman.
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to excellence in teaching students, leading schools, and providing support. The Department of Human Resources sponsors the recognition of outstanding employees who seek to create and demonstrate the best instructional and support practices.
Congratulations to the following staff serving Springfield District students!
Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher
White Oaks Elementary School - Megan Haile, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Region 4 winner
Outstanding Secondary New Teacher
Fairfax High School - Joaquin Perez, Multilingual Language Teacher, Region 5 winner
Oakton High School - Jason Marsh, Business & Information Technology Teacher, Region 1 winner
South County High School - Gavin Jackson, Business & Information Technology Teacher, Region 4 winner
Outstanding New Principal
Lake Braddock Secondary School - Lindsey Kearns, winner 💜💛
Saratoga Elementary School - Abigail Ragan, Region 6 winner
Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
Laurel Ridge Elementary School - Amofa Agyekum, Custodian II, Region 4 winner
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology - Junpei Yuan, Building Supervisor III, Non-Region winner
Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee
Bonnie Brae Elementary School - Cori Lonnett, School Counselor, winner 💙🤍
Waples Mill Elementary School - Michael Moody, Mathematics Resource Teacher, Region 1 winner
Outstanding School-Based Leader
Chantilly High School - Sonny Romine, Assistant Principal, Region 5 winner
Irving Middle School - Danielle Tillman, Assistant Principal, Region 4 winner
Outstanding Elementary Teacher
Eagle View Elementary School - Lindsey Bouch, Kindergarten Teacher, Region 5 winner
Newington Forest Elementary School - Nathan Drake, Art Teacher, Region 4 winner
Outstanding Secondary Teacher
Interagency Alternative Schools - Julie Grady, Alternative School Teacher, Non-Region winner
Liberty Middle School - Joseph LaBrie, Band Director, Region 4 winner
Outstanding Principal
Rocky Run Middle School - Peter Kownacki, Region 5 winner
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology - Michael Mukai, Non-Region winner
Read more about the winners and all finalists on the FCPS website.
🎭 Theater Students and Productions Earn Top Honors at Cappies Awards
The Cappies of the National Capital area held its annual awards gala honoring excellence in high school theater on June 7 at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Congratulations to the following Springfield District winners!
Centreville High School
Callaghan Crofton and Lena Thepvongsa - Stage Crew for The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition)
Fairfax High School
Naomi Bautista - Choreography for Something Rotten!
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Christine Dang - Stage Management for Cabaret (1998 Version)
Lila Halleran - Costumes for Cabaret (1998 Version)
Hollan Hasle - Dancer in a Female Role for Cabaret (1998 Version)
The Kit Kat Club Orchestra - Orchestra for Cabaret (1998 Version)
Musical: Cabaret (1998 Version)
West Springfield High School
Abby Marroquin - Andy Mays Rising Critic (9th-10th-grade)
Read the full list of winners online.
💰Fairfax County NAACP Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship Winners
The Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship celebrates Ms. Leete’s extraordinary dedication to public education, equity, and community service. She poured countless hours into advocating for local families through her leadership with PTAs, and Ms. Leete’s impact extended statewide and locally through her roles as vice president of both the Virginia PTA and the Fairfax County Council of PTAs, where she worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for all students.
The Fairfax County NAACP honors Ms. Leete’s legacy by providing scholarships to students in Fairfax County who exemplify service and leadership. Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Noah Isirimah and West Springfield High School’s Cameron Thorpe for being awarded this scholarship!
💵 FCPS Students Earn 2026 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students from six high schools have been named winners of 2026 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The students are part of a group of more than 2,500 National Merit® Finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by higher education institutions.
Congratulations to Fairfax High School’s Elias Falke for being awarded the National Merit Liberty University Scholarship for the study of actuarial science, and to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Karis Kim for being awarded the National Merit Wheaton College Scholarship for the study of medicine.
Read the full list of awardees.
🏅 Students Win Awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair
Nine FCPS students won awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair. The event took place last month in Phoenix. Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s Benjamin Kwon and Utsav Das for receiving third place in Energy: Sustainable Material and Design at the 2026 International Science and Engineering Fair for their project “The Effect of Pendulum Configuration on Energy Harvesting Efficiency Across Different Wave Conditions!”
Read about the other winning projects.
🏅 FCPS Students Earn Top Honors at 2026 Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference
Twenty-six Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won first-place awards at the 2026 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held recently in Reston. More than 90 students placed in the top four in their event and qualified to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this month.
Congratulations to the following first-place finishing Springfield District Students!
Chantilly High School
Ishaan Shukla, Public Administration and Management
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Lanny Huynh, Business Communication
Oakton High School
Rajeev Thykattil, Securities & Investments
View the full list of honorees.
🎶 2026 Blue Ribbon Award Schools
The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) awarded its highest award given to school music programs in the Commonwealth, the VMEA Blue Ribbon Award. The award recognizes excellence in band, orchestra, and choral performance. Congratulations to the following schools, which Springfield District students attend!
Carson Middle School
Fairfax High School
Lake Braddock Secondary School (high school)
Lewis High School
Oakton High School
Robinson Secondary School (middle and high school)
West Springfield High School
Woodson High School
✨ Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association Shining Star Honorees
On May 18, the Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association (FCCPTA) presented its Shining Star Awards in honor of the outstanding Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) administrators, educators, staff members, volunteers, and students who shine brightly in their efforts to build family engagement, make a difference in their PTA or PTSA, and engage in meaningful collaboration between administration, staff, families, and school community to build effecting and inclusive family engagement.
Congratulations to the following staff and volunteers serving the students and families in the Springfield District!
Greenbriar East Elementary School
Katie Smallwood, Staff of the Year
Meghan Neff, FCCPTA Elementary Volunteer of the Year
Phuong Nguyen, FCCPTA Elementary Volunteer of the Year
FCCPTA Impactful PTA
Keene Mill Elementary School
Linda Peace, FCCPTA Power Partner Principal
Laurel Ridge Elementary School
Stacey Burba, Staff of the Year
FCCPTA Impactful PTA
Orange Hunt Elementary School
Abigail Malejko, FCCPTA Elementary Volunteer of the Year
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Aubrie Holman, Educator of the Year
Wenjie Yao, Staff of the Year
FCCPTA Impactful PTA
Willow Springs Elementary School
Sarah Wood, Staff of the Year
Additionally, FCCPTA presented Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid with the Power Partner Superintendent award and nominated the Fairfax County Special Education PTA for the Virginia PTA Child Advocate of the Year award!
Last but not least, congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Ben Bailey and Walker Mitchell on receiving the 2026 FCPTA Senior Student $500 Scholarship!
View the full list of winners online.
FCCPTA President Debbie Kilpatrick with Lake Braddock Secondary School students Ben Baily and Walker Mitchell.
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.
📚 Unearth a Story With Summer Reading
The Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Adventure will take place from Wednesday, June 17, to Wednesday, August 19. Visit the Summer Reading webpage to learn how to sign up to participate and earn prizes!
⚾ Lake Braddock Summer Baseball Camps
Join Lake Braddock Secondary School coaches and players for Summer Baseball Camps for rising 3rd through 9th graders. The camps will take place at Lake Braddock, with morning sessions costing $185, afternoon sessions for $125, and all-day sessions costing $300. The camps will take place as follows.
- Week 1 June 22-26 (Little League Camp - rising grades 3-6)
- Week 2 June 29- July 3 (Middle School Camp - rising grades 7-9)
- Week 3 July 6-10 (Little League Camp - rising grades 3-6)
- Week 4 July 13-17 (Middle School Camp - rising grades 7-9)
- Week 5 July 20-24 (Little League camp - rising grades 3-6)
Register online and send your questions to Coach Johann Tiamson at jatiamson@fcps.edu.
🏑 Woodson High School Summer Field Hockey Camp
The Woodson High School Athletic Boosters is sponsoring a summer Field Hockey Camp for rising 2nd through 9th graders of all abilities and genders, June 22-25, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Woodson High School. The cost is $160 for the full week, or $40 per day.
Players will be placed in groups based on their age and skill level to ensure everyone gets the best environment to become a better player. It’s all about growth, teamwork, and—most importantly—having a great time on the field!
Register online at woodsonsports.com by navigating to the Team Pages > Fall Varsity > Field Hockey section, or use this direct registration link. Payments will be processed through My School Bucks.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Coach Stribling at mkstribling@fcpsschools.net.
⚙️ Boost Career Skills with Tech
Join PACER Center - Champions for Children with Disabilities for their Monday, June 29, 2026, 2 p.m. virtual workshop to discover how everyday technology can help teens and adults with disabilities find—and keep—the perfect job.
They will demo practical apps and devices designed to help:
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Manage Time & Stay Organized: Master alarms, calendars, and reminders.
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Get Tasks Done: Use step-by-step task directions and to-do lists.
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Build Confidence: Learn how executive function tools can help you succeed at work.
Register in advance.
🚺 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.
Learn more about the Commission for Women and apply by June 30, 2026.
👕 Life is Good Kids Design-A-Thon
Students, Unleash your inner artist for a good cause! Until July 3, 2026, kids can join the Life is Good Kids Design Team to create a t-shirt that shares the power of optimism. Getting started in the Life is Good Kids Design-A-Thon is a breeze.
Create Art ➡️ Snap a Photo ➡️ Make a tee ➡️ Share with friends ➡️ Change the world!
This is a simple way to create meaningful moments at home that nurture creative, kind, and confident kids. Instead of just hanging on the fridge, your child's art comes to life on a real Life is Good tee—one that parents can wear loud and proud! Best of all, it’s a fun family activity that gives back: 100% of net profits from these kid-designed tees directly support the Playmaker Project. There truly is no better gift.
Find more information online.
🎻 South County Middle School Summer Strings Camp
The South County Middle School SoCo Summer Strings Camp is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 6-17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th-grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
Find more information and register for the camp. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s spot!
Questions may be directed to the SoCo Summer Strings Camp Directors, Rachel Plumer and Austin Johnson-Stawarz, at socosummerstrings@gmail.com.
🏑 Lake Braddock Secondary School Field Hockey Clinics
Join the Lake Braddock Secondary School field hockey players for Summer Field Hockey Clinics for rising 3rd through 8th-grade girls. The Clinics will take place at Lake Braddock on Tuesdays, July 7, July 14, July 21, and July 28, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per session or $160 for all four sessions.
Find more information and register online.
🥎 Patriot District Softball Summer Camp
The West Springfield High School Softball Team is holding a summer camp for rising 6th through 12th-grade students from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th, 2026. The camp will be held at the West Springfield Softball Field and costs $100. Pitchers and Catchers may attend on Friday, July 17th, for an additional $25.
Register online and contact Varsity Coach Megan Baney at mlbaney@fcps.edu or Junior Varsity Coach Balema Smalls at bbsmalls@fcps.edu with questions.
⚽ Centreville High School Soccer Summer Camp
Join the Centreville High School Girls Soccer Team for a Summer Soccer Camp for boys and girls in rising 2nd through 6th grade. The camp will take place at Centreville High School from 8 a.m. to noon from Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, 2026. The cost is $250 per camper.
Register online.
🏐 Lake Braddock Secondary School Girls Volleyball Summer Camp
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Girls Volleyball players are hosting a Girls Volleyball Summer Camp for rising 6th through 12th-grade girls. Camp One, for rising 6th through 8th graders, will take place Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24, 2026, from 8 to 10 a.m. Camp Two, for rising 9th through 12th graders, will take place Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Skills Camp (Camp Three) from Monday, July 20, through Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Camps will be held at Lake Braddock. Camps One and Two are $250. The Skills Camp is $30 per day.
Find more information and register online.
🥎 Lake Braddock Summer Softball Camp
Join the Lake Braddock Secondary School coaches and players for a Summer Softball Camp for rising 3rd through 9th graders from Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon and/or 1 to 3 p.m. The camp will take place on the Lake Braddock Varsity Softball Field. The cost is $190 for the morning session, $130 for the afternoon session, and $320 for both sessions.
Register online. Contact Coach Hector Collazo at hrcollazo@fcps.edu with questions.
🤝 JCRC Now Accepting Student to Student Nominations for Fall 2026–27
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington is currently seeking rising juniors and seniors for Student to Student, an impactful high school peer education program.
What is Student to Student? By bringing together Jewish students from diverse backgrounds, this program trains teens to speak openly about their lives and traditions. It puts a human face on Judaism and creates a space to:
- Reduce prejudice and dismantle antisemitism.
- Foster deep understanding and empathy among peers.
- Encourage dialogue rather than lectures.
Why it Works: Presentations take place in both public and independent schools. Because it is led by students for students, it breaks the mold of a traditional lecture—creating an informal, comfortable space where peers feel encouraged to ask real questions.
🔗 Click here to learn more about the program or to schedule a presentation at your school.
Peer Mentoring for Students with Vision Impairment
Virginia high school students who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind have a unique opportunity to plan for their futures through the Peer Mentoring Project. This one-year virtual program, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in partnership with the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), pairs students with young professionals who share similar lived experiences. From September 2026 to May 2027, participants will engage in 6 group and 6 individual sessions to explore career pathways and build a personalized career development portfolio. If you are a high school student in the 2026-2027 school year with reliable internet access and a desire to grow, contact William Sutton at 804-659-2622 or via email at William.Sutton@dbvi.virginia.gov to learn more about joining this supportive community.
Find more information online.
Community News
Edu-Family 2026: Making College a Reality for Local Families
Middle and high school parents are invited to Edu-Futuro's Edu-Family 2026, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. at George Mason University’s Johnson Center.
Every year, hundreds of students and parents gather on a local university campus for Edu-Family—a high-energy, full-day of educational activities designed to show their community that higher education is within reach for everyone.
For the vast majority of these families, this event marks their very first time stepping onto a college campus! Here is a look at how the day empowers different age groups:
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For High Schoolers: Small groups from our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) rotate through learning stations and career panels focused on high school graduation, college readiness, and postsecondary enrollment.
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For Middle & Elementary Schoolers: Younger students dive into fun, dynamic robotics games—offering them an exciting preview of Edu-Futuro’s ELP STEM Robotics program.
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For Parents: While the kids are learning, parents attend workshops focused on navigating scholarships, securing financial aid, understanding the value of community college, and budgeting for higher education.
Edu-Family is more than just an event; it’s the spark that inspires the next generation of college-bound students. Thank you to everyone who makes this impactful day possible!
Parents and students should register in advance.
💵 $1,000 Skilled Trade Scholarships Now Available via FCPS ACE
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE), backed by the ACE Foundation and private donors, has launched its latest round of $1,000 Trade Initiative Scholarships in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. At least $40,000 is available to support students entering high-demand careers.
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Eligible Courses: Skilled Trade Apprenticeships in Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
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Application Window: June 15, 2026 – August 15, 2026 (for Fall 2026 courses).
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Easy Process: No background checks, financial documents, or merit requirements—awards are based strictly on expressed financial need and can be renewed for advanced courses.
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Apply: Learn more and submit an application at the FCPS ACE Trades Scholarship Page.
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Support: Want to invest in local workforce development? You can donate via the ACE Foundation.
🚓 Learn, Lead, Explore: FCPD Summer Programs Open for Students and Young Adults
Whether you are exploring career paths, building your resume, seeking leadership experience, or curious about the technology, teamwork, and training behind modern policing, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) offers several summer programs that give participants a firsthand look at public safety.
From hands-on activities to conversations with officers across the department, these programs give participants the chance to learn more about law enforcement, public service, and the many career opportunities that exist within FCPD.
Family and Student Resources
🏛️ Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released its annual College Openings Update. This voluntary listing features NACAC-member postsecondary institutions that are still accepting applications from prospective first-year and transfer students for the fall 2026 semester.
Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search for colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid and available student housing. Please note that this list is updated daily.
Additionally, NACAC has created a waiver request form for enrollment deposit fees that some institutions will consider for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility. Students and families may contact their school counselor and college and career specialist with any questions.
Students who still need assistance applying for federal or state financial aid can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax by emailing appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. Support provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.
💻 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 Due August 3
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.
Summer Courses for SAT Test Prep!
Make the most of your time this summer to get confident and ready to “ACE” your SATs. Affordable classes are available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) to prepare you for the Math Part 1 or Part 2 exams. Or, strengthen overall test-taking strategies with a Reading/Writing Skills and Strategies class to enhance speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Day and evening classes are available to fit your summer schedule.
👋 Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): A Military Family Orientation
Military families new to FCPS or moving to FCPS soon may attend this interactive presentation. Families will learn about:
- FCPS programs, school staff, and digital resources
- Strategies to support student success
- Early enrollment for military families
- The Military Interstate Compact
This virtual presentation will be held via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Please fill out the Military GTK registration form to sign up and receive the Zoom link.
☀️ Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy
The FCPS Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources.
Be sure to check back during the summer, as more resources may be added.
Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation — and Neither Does Fun!
Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged! FCPS’ Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August.
FCPS Puzzle Hunt Is Live!
The third annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving during the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation. Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
Summer Meals for Students
Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.
Summer sites will continue to be added, so check the Summer Food Service webpage regularly for updates.
Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.
Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for dates, times, and locations. Additional event dates will be shared four to five weeks prior to the event and posted on the webpage. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Summer Food Assistance for Virginia Families
Keep your kids fed and healthy this summer with two great state programs:
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Virginia SUN Bucks provides eligible families with extra money for groceries during summer break.
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The Benefit: A one-time $120 payment per eligible school-age child for 2026.
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How It’s Delivered: * If you have a SNAP EBT card, the funds will be automatically added to it.
- If you don’t have SNAP, a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card (which works just like a debit card) will be mailed to you.
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Virginia SUN Meals ensures all children have access to free, healthy meals when school is closed.
❤️🩹 AccessAbility Fairfax
Attend Fairfax County’s AccessAbility Fairfax on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center! This free event is designed to connect you directly with county agencies and partners, get personalized assistance, and discover valuable programs designed to support you and your loved ones.
Some on-site offerings:
- MetroAccess
- Benefits & financial assistance support
- Information about housing programs & home repair assistance
- Mental health services & referral assistance
- Emergency alert system registration
Make sure to check out:
- 911 simulator experience
- Sensory-friendly wellness room
- Library card sign-up (bring photo ID)
- Unclaimed property search (Find lost money!)
Learn about reduced-cost transportation programs, financial assistance options, housing assistance, mental health services, and emergency resources. There will even be a limited quantity of $50 transportation gift cards for qualifying attendees!
Learn more and Pre-Register here.
📱 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.
💬 How to Talk With Your Teens So They Won’t ‘Skip’ What You Say
Strong communication is key to supporting your student's mental health. FCPS provides guidance on how to have short, impactful conversations with your teen about difficult subjects such as fentanyl and overdoses.
Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you unskippable.
Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE
Signing up for a SIS ParentVUE account helps you to support your child’s academic success! Caregivers can view important information like attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores through ParentVUE.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. It is available both online and as a mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up to date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of ParentVUE. Find more information and an FAQ.
Activate Your ParentVUE Account to Stay Connected
On Wednesday, July 29, FCPS families who haven't activated their ParentVUE account will receive an email with the subject “Fairfax County Public Schools ParentVUE Activation Letter.”
The email will include instructions for activating a ParentVUE account. If you don’t have an account and don’t receive the email, please check your spam folder or open a Parent Support Request. After July 29, families may also contact their school to request a printed activation letter or a new activation key, if needed.
All families are encouraged to activate their accounts as soon as possible to ensure they receive immediate access to important student information and school communications.
For assistance activating your account, please contact your child’s school. For technical support, create a Parent Support Request.
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.
June 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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