Family Newsletter September 3, 2026

Back to School Night TONIGHT!

Back to School Night

Back to School Night is TONIGHT 6-8pm (5:30 for PreK - 1st grade families)! There will be Cameron t-shirts for sale for $10 (cash, check, or Venmo will be accepted!)

Tonight's schedule:

5:30-6:00 pm: PreK to 1st grade attendance session
6:00-6:30 pm: Family Information Sessions

  • Library: Clinical Team (counselors, social worker, school psychologist)
  • Pod: Literacy, Math, AAP, Resource Teachers, Special Education
  • Cafeteria: New Family Orientation with Family Liaison

6:00-6:45 pm: Classroom Session 1 in individual classrooms
6:45-7:15 pm: Family Information Sessions

  • Library: Clinical Team (counselors, social worker, school psychologist)
  • Pod: Literacy, Math, AAP, Resource Teachers, Special Education
  • Cafeteria: New Family Orientation with Family Liaison

7:15 – 8:00 p.m.: Classroom Session 2 in individual classrooms


Welcome Back from the School Board

Our school board members welcome families back to a new school year!

Mateo Dunne

Marcia St. John-Cunning


Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:

  • Personal laptops and tablets.
  • Smartphones and smartwatches.
  • Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 703-329-2100. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy


Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15 

The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Tiffany Reed, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at tlreed@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.

For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.

Other Advanced Academic Services 

At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. 

For more information, please contact Tiffany Reed, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at tlreed@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start


Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready

Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?

Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.


Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  


Attendance

Your Child’s Presence at School Matters

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits. 

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.


Calendar reminder graphic

No School Friday and Monday, Labor Day

Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.


September 11

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 


Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

See the complete school year calendar.


Calendar reminder graphic

Important Dates

Sept 3: Back to School Night, 6-8pm

Sept 4: No School, Labor Day

Sept 7: No School, Labor Day