Summer is filled with things to do!

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 07/08/2026 12:37 PM EDT

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Summer is filled with things to do!

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you were able to stay cool over the Fourth of July weekend as we settled into another classic Northern Virginia summer. 

While school is out, there is no shortage of great things happening across FCPS and our community. This week’s newsletter highlights just a few of the many programs, events, and activities taking place in and around the Providence District — from free library programs and family-friendly activities to outdoor concerts, community events, and opportunities to explore, learn, and connect.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students, schools, and community. I hope you find time to enjoy some of the many opportunities featured in this week’s newsletter, and I look forward to seeing you around the Providence District in the weeks ahead.

In service,

Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

Table of Contents

Celebrating Pride with Governor Spanberger

Celebrating Pride Month

 

It was an honor to attend the Pride Month Celebration hosted by Governor Abigail Spanberger and First Gentleman Adam Spanberger at the Governor’s Executive Mansion. I was grateful to be there celebrating Virginia’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community with my School Board colleague Kyle McDaniel, Delegate Laura Jane Cohen, and many other champions for equality and inclusion.

Kingsley Commons Community Day

Kingsley Community Day

 

I was delighted to attend the Kingsley Commons Community Day and enjoyed talking with the kids who were curious about our electric school buses. Truth be told, the biggest draw was the lollipops and the FCPS teddy bear. It was a wonderful day of neighbors coming together to celebrate the strong sense of community that makes the Providence District such a great place to live.

Summer of Reading, Creativity, and Fun at Public Libraries

Summer Reading Adventure

Help your child keep reading all summer long with great books, fun activities, and opportunities to earn badges and prizes. [More Here]

“The World We Write” Short Story Writing Contest

School-age youth (3rd-6th grade), teens (7th-12th grade), and adults (18+) are invited to participate in the “The World We Write” short-story writing contest. Use one of five prompts to write a 250-word story and submit it online. Entries may be submitted from July 1 - 31, 2026. [More Here]

Teen Cover Art Contest

Teens across Fairfax County are invited to participate. Choose a dystopian or Science Fiction young adult book, redesign the cover, and include the book title and author in your design. One submission per student. No copyrighted material. No AI art will be considered. Entries may be submitted from June 17 - August 19, 2026. [More Here]

Free Summer Programs at Libraries in Providence

Thomas Jefferson Library:

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library:

Oakton Library:

FCPS Puzzle Hunt

This free, family-friendly activity invites you to explore locations throughout Fairfax County while solving bike and pedestrian safety puzzles. Complete one region or all of them in any order. Each puzzle leads to a different location, where you'll find clues to help solve the final challenge.  [More Here]

FCPS Leads the Nation in Green Flag Awards

77 Fairfax County Public Schools earned the Green Flag award from the National Wildlife Federation through the Eco-Schools U.S. program. This student-led program provides opportunities for youth leadership, environmental awareness, connecting students to the natural world, and driving positive environmental change while helping students build lifelong skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and resiliency that are part of the division’s Portrait of a Graduate.

Nearly half of all U.S. schools earning the Green Flag honor are part of FCPS—more than any other school division in the nation. I’m proud to highlight the eight Providence District schools that earned Green Flag recognition: Freedom Hill, Graham Road, Mosaic, and Shrevewood elementary schools; Kilmer and Thoreau middle schools; and Marshall and Oakton high schools. Keep up the great work!

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. Read recommendations to stay safe online this summer. 

Updated Cellphone Policy

Under the updated FCPS Cellphone Policy, high school students at FCPS will no longer be able to use cellphones and other smart devices during lunchtime (effective July 1, 2026). This includes watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smartwatches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other internet-connected devices. During the school day, including lunchtime, all students must keep cellphones and other smart devices turned 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.

Providence Presents: July Entertainment Lineup

Providence Presents

 

The “Providence Presents” Summer Entertainment Series, presented by Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and the Fairfax County Park Authority, offers free family-friendly performances throughout the summer. 

Mark your calendar for these July performances:

Nottaway Park - Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Strawberry Park at Mosaic District - Sunday mornings from 10 - 10:45 a.m.

Tysons 150th Film Screening and Happy Hour

Tysons 150 Film Screening

 

The community is invited to a special edition of Providence Perspectives, a documentary film premiere highlighting Tysons’ 150-year transformation. You’ll hear from those who have been developing Tysons for the last half century, including former County officials and staff, as well as business executives shaping the Tysons landscape of today. Wednesday, July 29 at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, 1667 Silver Hill Drive, McLean, VA 22102, 6 - 8 p.m. [Register Here]

Adult and Community Education (ACE) Opportunities

Trades Scholarship Application - If you’re seeking a career in the Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC trades, FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) can help you get started with a certified Apprenticeship program and a $1,000 scholarship toward your classes. The deadline to apply for the Scholarship is August 15. See more details and explore trade programs.

Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills - Due to high demand, a third course section is now open for Apprenticeship 101: Core Construction Skills. Prepare to succeed in any skilled-trade career. Enroll today. These classes fill quickly. The tuition price has been subsidized by grants to make it an affordable start to building your career.

Summer Courses for SAT Test Prep - Affordable day or evening classes are available to prepare you for either (or both) the Math Part 1 or Part 2 exams. Or, strengthen your overall test-taking strategies with a Reading/Writing Skills and Strategies class to enhance speed, accuracy, and confidence. 

Careers with FCPS

Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and other vital areas. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.

Network with school leaders, explore rewarding teaching opportunities, and interview on-site at the In-Person Instructional Job Fair. Registration required.

School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs: Explore school bus driver employment opportunities with FCPS this summer. All job fairs are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No pre-registration is required.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

  • Thursday, July 9, at 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

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.

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