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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.
The Braddock Buzz: Back to School Edition
Welcome back to school everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready for another amazing school year. Our kids came home Monday excited to share about their teachers and reconnecting with classmates.
We have a lot of new things happening this coming school year. A few FCPS updates include:
The Board started things back up after our summer recess with a Work Session where we discussed Middle School after school programs and digital literacy. You can view the agenda and materials and view the recording to learn more.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of hosting a PTA/PTO roundtable to help connect this community of leaders before the start of the school year, and I was glad to be joined by my Springfield District colleague, Sandy Anderson. Sandy and I both come from the PTA/PTO world, and truly understand how helpful it is to have these connections. I’m looking forward to hosting more PTA/PTO events in the future!
I hope you all have a wonderful start to the new school year and I can’t wait for all that is to come. Welcome back!
Yours in Service,
Tom Dannan
Braddock District School Board Representative
View My “Welcome Back to School Message” here in both English and Spanish!
A Message from Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Welcome back to school, Braddock!
I hope your summer break was restful and relaxing, and that your return to school hasn’t affected your sleep schedule too badly. 😴😴😴
Although this is my first year without a student of my own returning to school or college, I still share in the excitement. On Tuesday, I “went back to school” when we had our first Board meeting after the summer break. As a former school board member, I still feel some of our highest priorities are around our schools, where everyone should feel safe and included.
We hear you when you comment about unsafe bridges or unpainted crosswalks, and I want to assure you that our staff is working hard to make sure that these concerns are addressed. If you have a question or comment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We won’t always have an immediate answer, but we will listen, research the matters that concern you, and respond as soon as we can.
Young people are the cornerstone of our community, and we all thrive when they thrive. We see that spirit everywhere. Last week, my staff was able to attend the Lake Braddock Marching Band exhibition showcase and see some of that in action. Watching how well the students march together, after only a few weeks of practice and all dressed in their LBMB t-shirts, was powerful and moving.
I love this community, and I love supporting you all. Above all else, I’m your neighbor, and I’m deeply committed to helping you however I can. Please reach out to my office any time with your vision of a brighter Braddock.
Finally, if you’d like to stay updated with the Supervisor’s office, please subscribe to our newsletter, the Braddock Beacon! Inside, we provide weekly updates on a ton of events, resources, and opportunities related to Braddock, such as an upcoming arts competition held jointly with Arts Fairfax 🎨 - including an opportunity for 11- to 18-year-olds to participate - and a chance to nominate a young person for a Best of Braddock award🌻!
We look forward to hearing from you, and, as always, a special thank you to Tom Dannan for all his hard work. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between the Board of Supervisors and the school board this upcoming year.
In Service,
Rachna Sizemore Heizer
 
Welcome Back Braddock!
Save the Date: Braddock Back-to-School Nights
Below are a list of Back to School Nights for Braddock schools. Dates and times are subject to change. Be sure to check out your school's website for any updates. If you don't see your school listed, you can view the full list of FCPS Back-to-school nights here.
 
Join your School’s PTA/PTO
Now that the school year is back in action, consider joining the parent teacher organization within your school! These organizations are an essential part of community building within your school.
From supporting teachers, staff, and students well-being in different ways, raising money for school needs, sponsoring student enrichment, helping fund extracurricular activities, and so much more. Being a part of your school's parent teacher organization is a way to positively impact your school.
Here are links to all of the PTA/PTO/PTSO’s for Schools with Braddock students. Sign up today!
Elementary Schools
Middle and High Schools
In addition, there is a dedicated Special Education PTA (SEPTA), that does great work for students with disabilities across the county.
Elementary School Limited Early Release Wednesdays for 2026-27 School Year
Early release Wednesdays will start in late September 2026. Each elementary school will have a total of four early release days throughout the school year. Lunch will be provided on early release Wednesdays.
Days depend upon the pyramid under which a school falls. Check FCPS' Region and Pyramid Map for a breakdown.
Early release Wednesdays for elementary schools in the Annandale, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and Woodson pyramids:
- September 30
- November 18
- January 13
- April 7
Early release Wednesdays for elementary schools in the Fairfax, Robinson, and South County pyramids:
- October 21
- December 2
- February 10
- May 5
Student IDs/Bus Tracking
 New Student ID Cards Coming for Bus Riders This Fall
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.
The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 FCPS students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.
The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.
It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
New Technology on Buses Enhances Student Safety
In her August 17th Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared a conversation she had with Bus Driver Supervisor Lei Shi about a new safety and routing system being piloted on some FCPS school buses.
From real-time navigation to radio frequency ID student check-ins to live bus tracking for families, the new tablet technology is designed to make bus rides safer and more efficient for everyone. Watch this video to learn how FCPS is prioritizing student safety and supporting our incredible transportation team with the tools they need to succeed.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program at Fairfax County Public Schools continues to support safe, active transportation for families and students. Below are upcoming and current initiatives available to FCPS schools and community.
- Bike Bus Presentations
- Bike Unit for Physical Education
- Story Book Walks
About Safe Routes To Schools
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program helps students safely walk, bike, or use other active transportation to get to school. SRTS promotes physical activity, student safety, and environmental health by reducing vehicle traffic.
Why does FCPS promote SRTS?
- Improves Student Health
- Improves Air Quality and Reduces Greenhouse Gasses
- Improves Student Safety
School Based Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Assessment
During the 2025–2026 school year, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program carried out a countywide traffic and pedestrian safety initiative to identify schools facing the greatest operational and pedestrian‑related risks. This effort focused on pinpointing high‑priority schools that would benefit from targeted support and improvements across multiple safety areas. You can explore the full findings and recommendations in the SRTS Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Initiative Report.
You can learn more about the benefits of the SRTS program here.
Phones Off and Away for the Whole School Day: Updates to FCPS' Cell Phone Policy
Updated Cellphone Policy: No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students
Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Football Game Safety and Security Update
FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games. Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games. The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverage
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or pvc bags no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
As a reminder, middle school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with the student(s) at the event.
These enhancements are designed to support a safe and welcoming environment while allowing families, students, and community members to enjoy Friday night football. We encourage attendees to arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for screening.
Fall Sports Schedules for Braddock High Schools
A Welcoming Start for FCPS Military Families
 Jack, an 11th grader at Robinson Secondary School, hasn’t had his learner’s permit for a full year, but he has already driven in four states. Travel is a familiar part of military family life. Jack has lived in Alaska, California, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and Virginia (more than once).
“You learn to adapt in different environments,” Jack said. You learn to find different teachers you like and just people you want to be around.
After nearly 20 years in the Army, Jack’s father Matt Giffen understands how to make these experiences work for his three boys. “The opportunity of moving all the time is they get to see a bunch of stuff that most people don’t: trying new foods, seeing new cultures.”
That outlook fit right in at the Mission Ready: Back to School Resource Fair. At the event, Fairfax County Public Schools partnered with Blue Star Families to provide military families with a strong start to the year through supplies, information, and community connections. This is the third year of the fair, which is open to active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and veteran families. This year’s event took place at West Springfield High School on August 1.
A Community of Joy and Learning
 Earlier this summer Dr.Reid feautured Bonnie Brae Elementary in one of her Shining a Light on Success videos. Prinicipal Morgan Birge talks about how a strong family atmosphere and a positive welcoming community help lay the foundation for student success. As a new school year begins and our schools fill with new community members whether you're new staff, teachers, or students, our schools strive to be a warm and welcoming community for everyone.
Helpful Tools and Resources for a Successful School Year
🔦 Lightspeed Parent Portal Allows Parents to Manage Student Screen Time
You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home
In FCPS we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.
In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.
With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.
These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Customize Your Lightspeed Settings
All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.
Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.
💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
Share Your Feedback on the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding
 FCPS and the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) are developing a new School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to replace the current agreement.
SROs are full-time Fairfax County police officers assigned to most middle and high schools. The MOU establishes a framework for FCPS and FCPD to work together to help provide a safe learning environment for the entire school community.
Community members are encouraged to visit the FCPS SRO MOU webpage to review the current MOU and the Virginia Model MOU, and submit public comments through Monday, September 7.
Register to Volunteer
Register to volunteer with your child’s school and FCPS! Volunteer FCPS provides a centralized platform for students, parents, caregivers, and community members to register as volunteers and to find volunteer opportunities. All school volunteers must register online. This ensures that everyone working in our schools has cleared the necessary safety checks. Find opportunities to give back to your school on Volunteer FCPS.
Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
 Check out some tips to help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:
- Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
- Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
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Apply for free and reduced-price meals. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens.
Understanding Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates: New Universal Grade Matrices for Families
Families are encouraged to review the updated FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses in order to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Updates for the 2026-27 school year include new Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs). UGMs are charts that show behavior expectations and school responses by grade level (K-3, 4-8, and 9-12). These at-a-glance resources (in Appendix D of the SR&R) are designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how schools respond to different types of behavior concerns.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information and to review additional updates to the SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
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SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Opt your child in or out of a variety of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed. Parents/caregivers of elementary students can opt in/out of after-school care on early release Wednesdays.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool
Family Information Phone Lines
Did you know that FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages? An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with any questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
FCPS now has an official FCPS WhatsApp Channel. The channel will provide timely reminders, important updates, and information throughout the school year, translated into multiple languages. This is one more way FCPS is meeting families where they are and making FCPS communications more accessible for everyone.
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Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
FCPS wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
On the Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms webpage, explanations are provided of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices.
View the 2026-27 Opt-Out Booklet.
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New ParentVUE Mobile App
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app became available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
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Helpful 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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