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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.
New Oakton Principal, Summer LGBTQ+ Youth Supports, Back to School Resources, Community Events, and More!
Dear Neighbors,
There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy, but it’s never too early to check a few back-to-school items off your list. This week’s newsletter includes information to help families begin preparing for the upcoming school year, including no-out-of-pocket cost immunization events, middle school family workshops, mental health resources, and opportunities to support students through Educate Fairfax’s Supplies for Success campaign.
You’ll also find a welcome to Oakton High School’s new principal, resources to help you stay safe during extreme heat, and summer support for LGBTQIA+ youth. And, when the weather cooperates, be sure to check out the Providence Presents outdoor concert series.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students, schools, and community. I hope you’re enjoying your summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you at community events in the weeks ahead.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
New Oakton High School Principal
It was a pleasure to attend the announcement of Oakton High School’s new principal and to be part of the warm welcome for Shannon Matheny on her first day. Most recently serving as Acting Principal at West Springfield High School, Ms. Matheny has a strong track record of supporting students, empowering educators, and creating the conditions for every student to succeed. I look forward to working together to continue the exceptional work happening at Oakton.
Partnering with Your Child’s Middle School
Rising middle school families are invited to this interactive virtual presentation to explore ways to stay connected to their students’ learning throughout the middle school years while maintaining strong family-school partnerships during secondary education.
The presentation will also explore the changing role of parents and caregivers as their children transition to middle school. There will be time for questions and answers at the end. Registration is required, and the Zoom link will be provided via email. [Register Here]
Choose one of the following sessions:
No-Cost Mental Health Support for Middle and High School Students
Hazel Health is offering free virtual mental health services to all FCPS middle and high school students. Through secure video sessions, licensed therapists can support students with anxiety, stress, grief and loss, social skills, bullying, and much more. Families can enroll their child directly. Or, contact your school’s counselor, psychologist, social worker, or director of student services for assistance with connecting to care. [More Here]
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new Student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Summer Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth
Summer can be a wonderful time to recharge, but it can also be a time when LGBTQIA+ youth feel more isolated from the supportive communities they rely on during the school year. If you or someone you know is looking for connection, affirmation, or resources, there are outstanding options in Fairfax County.
The Transgender Education Association of Greater Washington (TGEA) hosts its Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting each month, providing a welcoming space for transgender, nonbinary, questioning, and gender-diverse individuals, along with parents, caregivers, family members, friends, and allies. [More Details]
The NoVA Prism Center in McLean also offers a wide variety of programs and events designed to foster community, provide peer support, and connect LGBTQ+ people of all ages with local resources. From social gatherings and educational workshops to youth-focused programming, the center serves as an important hub for connection and belonging in our community. [More Details]
Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, is offering school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Upcoming Immunization Clinic Dates for FCPS students include:
Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for more information.
The Fairfax County Health Department will launch its annual back-to-school immunization push on Friday, July 31. To help parents ensure their children are ready for the upcoming school year, dedicated school immunization hours, including expanded evening hours, will be offered at the Herndon-Reston Public Health Center; Annandale Public Health Center; Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center; and Mount Vernon Public Health Center. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. [Back-to-school clinic dates, times, and locations].
Additional immunization resources are also available.
Fairfax County Extreme Heat Resources
When extreme heat is in the forecast, Fairfax County activates its Heat Plan. Residents can cool off at designated County Cooling Centers during normal operating hours. Learn more about available locations and other heat safety resources on the Fairfax County Extreme Heat Resources webpage.
Providence Presents Summer Concert Series
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 special events:
Nottaway Park - Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Strawberry Park at Mosaic District - Sunday mornings from 10 - 10:45 a.m.
Educate Fairfax’s Supplies for Success Campaign
For one in three FCPS students, the cost of school supplies forces families to make difficult choices between school supplies, groceries, rent, and utility bills. When you support Educate Fairfax’s Supplies for Success campaign, you can help ease that burden by providing students with the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn. A donation of $15 provides a complete school supply kit for one student. A $25 donation provides both a school supply kit and a backpack. Please make your gift before August 1 to help ensure every student can walk into the classroom feeling prepared.
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.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, 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
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