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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.
A Great Start and So Much More Ahead!
Dear Neighbors,
With the first two weeks of the 2026–27 school year behind us, I’m grateful for the positivity and sense of community I’ve already witnessed across the Providence District. At every school I’ve visited so far, I’ve seen students, staff, and families welcoming the new year with enthusiasm and school spirit. It has been wonderful to see.
Today’s newsletter includes highlights from several back-to-school events as well as information about FCPS weather preparedness, ACE classes for students, a Stuff the Bus food drive, Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk, Providence Fall Fest, and employment opportunities with FCPS.
I look forward to visiting more schools in the coming days and weeks. And, as always, if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Some Back-to-School Visits Across Providence District
Mantua Elementary Ice Cream Social
It was great to join Principal Shannon and the Mantua Elementary community for the Back-to-School Ice Cream Social. Taking a turn in the dunk tank wasn’t on my back-to-school checklist, but it was a pretty fun way to kick off the school year – especially on a sweltering afternoon!
Oakton High School Back-to-School Night
Oakton High School’s Back-to-School Night brought the school community together with plenty of energy and school spirit. I enjoyed visiting with our new Principal, Shannon Matheny, and catching the Oakton Marching Cougars at rehearsal. They sounded incredible!
Cav Carnival and Woodson Pyramid Night
This year’s Cav Carnival had it all: games, moon bounce, face painting, and another dunk tank, where this time, my Braddock District School Board colleague Tom Dannan took one for the team. It was great to see the Woodson community turn out for the carnival, the annual run across the football field, and the ribbon-cutting for the brand-new scoreboard.
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 scenario 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.
ACE Classes for FCPS Students
Study Skills and Test Prep Classes through FCPS ACE
Students can feel prepared and confident when they learn to study smarter, not harder, with classes through FCPS ACE. From Study Skills for Academic Success to SAT Test Prep courses, FCPS ACE offers affordable, convenient classes to help your student succeed. Visit the FCPS ACE Test Prep page for course offerings.
Get Driver Education from a Trusted Source
When it’s time for your teen to learn safe driving, you can trust FCPS ACE for comprehensive and low-cost Driver Ed programs taught by certified instructors. From Learner’s Permit Test Prep through Behind-the-Wheel training, FCPS ACE covers all the required classes for teen licensure. Classes are offered at convenient locations, usually at your base high school. With expert instruction and a strong focus on safety, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become responsible drivers. Spaces are limited and fill quickly, so don’t wait! Get more information and register today through FCPS ACE.
Stuff the Bus Countywide Food Drive
Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus program returns for a one-day food drive on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. In Providence District, donations will benefit Food For Others, an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for families facing food insecurity. Please consider donating nonperishable food items or gift cards at Supervisor Palchik’s office, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031, or any supervisor district office countywide.
Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks are a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. This year, the Fairfax Walk returns to the Providence District at the Mosaic District on Saturday, October 3. Check-in starts at 11 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Learn more about registration, fundraising opportunities, and event details as well as sponsorship opportunities.
Exhibitors are invited to apply to participate in the Walk’s Resource Fair to share information about programs and/or resources offered by the exhibitor that support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Fairfax Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Virginia.
Save the Date: Providence Fall Fest
Supervisor Palchik is partnering with Neighborhood and Community Services to host the 2026 Providence Fall Fest on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Jim Scott Community Center. Celebrate fall with friends and neighbors at this free community event featuring performances, games, activities for all ages, and resources from across the County and community. [RSVP for Providence Fall Fest 2026]
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 Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.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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