A Flint Hill Elementary School 6th grade student meets their kindergarten buddy for the year.
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
We ask that families please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
Weekly Reflections: Middle School Students Finding Sense of Belonging
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted Longfellow Middle School, where students are finding their interests, building confidence, and discovering a sense of belonging through after-school opportunities, meaningful clubs, and strong relationships with caring adults.
Watch a video showing how Longfellow staff are helping students feel seen, valued, and connected during the important transition to middle school. View other Shining a Light on Success videos, which highlight the power and promise of public education.
Read more in Weekly Reflections.
Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our schools? Creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected is the second goal of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS.
Community Conversations With Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. 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.
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
-
Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
-
Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
-
Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
-
Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
-
Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
-
Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 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.
FCPS Awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Financial Reporting
FCPS earned the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025. Learn about this award and read the report.
Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects, like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app, are still in development. Families should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.
Unscheduled Day for 9th Grade Students
Because of the testing, most 9th grade students will not have school on October 7. Students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Ninth grade students with disabilities who receive low incidence special education services will still receive in-person instruction with a two-hour early release on October 7.
Contact the Student Services team at your child’s school with any questions. Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Applications Open October 5 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
How FCPS Sparked a 3M Top Young Scientist Project
Millie Pradawong, a freshman at Madison High School, first fell in love with science in 1st grade, when her teacher at Vienna Elementary School gave each student a tree to grow in their own yard, on their own time. The tree still stands in her backyard today, now twice as tall as she is.
That school project sparked a curiosity about biology that has stayed with Millie and helped make her a finalist in the 3M Top Young Scientist Challenge competition this year. Read more about Millie and her project.
From the Playground to the Real World: Bailey’s Upper Students Learn Road Safety
When students at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences returned to school last month, they discovered a colorful new traffic garden where students can play, exercise, create, and practice skills they will use in the real world. Read about their traffic garden and watch this video of students exploring it with scooters.
CARES of the Quarter Celebrates Teacher for Making a Meaningful Difference
Last week, at Franconia Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher Renee Octaviano was celebrated as the FCPS CARES of the Quarter recipient.
Renee was recognized for expanding the elementary school’s food share program into a weekend meal initiative, purchasing a refrigerator and portable coolers, and providing students with ingredients and recipes to take home and share with their families. When funding became limited, she engaged the school community to help sustain the program through weekly donations.
Renee was surprised by the celebration, which was attended by FCPS and Franconia Elementary leadership, School Board members, Educate Fairfax staff, and a representative from community sponsor SaNDAI Global.
September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
With the upcoming 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country.
As part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate attributes and social and emotional learning skills.
X2VOL is an online tool that FCPS middle and high schools use to support students with finding, tracking, and verifying service hours. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into Schoology to access their x2VOL account.
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways families can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your school’s front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
School Board Meeting on Thursday, September 10
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Thursday, September 10. View the agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Calendar Reminders: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
On September 17 each year, schools honor Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizes “all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”
Rosh Hashanah (evening-only observance)
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.
Yom Kippur (holiday)
Monday, September 21, is a holiday, and schools and offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
Get Driver Education From a Trusted Source
 When it’s time for your teen to learn safe driving, you can trust FCPS Adult and Community Education for comprehensive and low-cost driver education programs taught by certified instructors. 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.
Quick Links
|
