📚 Turning the Page on Summer: Message From Ilryong Moon

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/11/2026 01:00 PM EDT

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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.

Post-Labor Day Newsletter

Message from Ilryong Moon

The first day of my Global History course at George Mason University

Throughout my many years of service as a School Board Member, I have always placed an emphasis on the importance of being a lifelong learner. Public education is constantly evolving, and effective leadership requires a willingness to listen, grow, examine new ideas, and remain open to different perspectives. I believe that continuing to learn—through experience, collaboration, professional development, and engagement with our community—enables us to make more thoughtful decisions and better serve our students, families, educators, and staff.

That being said, I have decided to continue my own education journey by enrolling in two classes this semester at George Mason University. I am taking Latin American History and Global History, both for my own benefit and to better understand our diverse communities represented throughout Fairfax County.

Although I am not your typical college student, I still got the “first-day jitters,” as I entered the classroom and sat with students taking their first college course.

I reminded myself that it is perfectly normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and that I should embrace both. Being open to learning, asking questions, meeting people outside of my comfort zone, and taking advantage of the many opportunities provided through education have benefited me greatly.

I am looking forward to what lies ahead for both the district and me. It will be Fall before we know it!

Best,

Ilryong Moon

Moon Highlights

Space Heard Us Concert

In one of the most heartwarming events I have ever attended, I was fortunate enough to be a part of the inaugural Space Heard Us Concert, in which musicians with and without disabilities performed together in a meaningful celebration of music, art, and inclusion.

As a member of the Fairfax County School Board, I believe strongly that every student and every individual deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their talents, and feel that they belong.

Programs like Space Heard Us show us that inclusion is not simply about providing access. It is about creating opportunities for people to participate, contribute, and be recognized for what they can do.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this special day. Most importantly, thank you for reminding all of us that every voice deserves to be heard, every talent deserves a chance to shine, and everyone deserves a place where they truly belong.

L to R (Top Right Picture): SBM Ryan McElveen (At-Large), SBM Kyle McDaniel (At-Large), FCPS Cares recipient Renee Octaviano, SBM Marcia St. John-Cunning (Franconia), Me

FCPS Cares of the Quarter

I am always happy to recognize one of FCPS’ world-class educators for outstanding service and overall excellence. Franconia Elementary School teacher Renee Octaviano was selected by Educate Fairfax as the FCPS Cares of the Quarter recipient.

In addition to serving as a 2nd grade teacher, Get-2-Green lead teacher, and Student Council Association advisor, she also coordinates the school’s food share program to support students experiencing food insecurity. Through the Get-2-Green initiative, Ms. Octaviano recognized an opportunity to expand support for students in need. What started as a simple expansion has now grown into a weekend meal initiative. Each Friday, Ms. Octaviano organizes for ingredients to be sent home for family meals with these students, along with recipes designed to help families prepare and share meals together. Ms. Octaviano’s creativity, perseverance, and deep commitment to students and families have transformed a small idea into a meaningful source of support for families in need.

Congratulations to Ms. Octaviano and the Franconia Elementary School community!

School Visits

Top Left: Me with Principal Serena Giron

Lewis High School Football

I was thrilled to attend my first football game of the season between Lewis High School and Park View High School (Loudoun County), in front of a packed crowd. The Lancers jumped out to a commanding lead and ran away with the game early, resulting in a 33-6 blowout victory.

Congratulations to the Lancers and Principal Giron, as they start the season

1-0!

Top right: Me with Principal Shawn DeRose, who took over as PA Announcer for the game!

Annandale High School Football

My second game of the football season took me to Annandale High School, where the Atoms faced off with Freedom High School (Prince William County). Annandale took a commanding lead early in the contest, and never looked back, resulting in a 41-0 shutout. The atmosphere was phenomenal, with the student body and staff enjoying a “Hawaiian Night” theme.

It was enjoyable to watch the marching band deliver their first half-time show of the season, the cheerleading routine, and Principal Shawn DeRose “double-dip” as the public address announcer for the game.

Congratulations to the Atoms on such a strong start to the season!

Supporting my former Sunday school students Alex (L) and Ethan (R)

McLean vs. Chantilly Boys Volleyball

It’s still relatively new in Virginia High School League sports, but Boys Volleyball is taking FCPS by storm! The matchup between Chantilly and McLean delivered many exciting moments: powerful spikes, timely digs, and out of bounds saves.

I was especially excited to see a competitive game that featured many of my former and current Sunday school students who are now in high school, which reminds me how long I have been “in the game” myself!

Thomas Jefferson vs. Mount Vernon Girls Volleyball

In a highly competitive early-season girls volleyball contest between the Mount Vernon Majors and Thomas Jefferson Colonials, both schools delivered an exciting performance. With strong teamwork, focused serving, and determined play at the net, the athletes demonstrated the skill and spirit that make our athletics program special. Congratulations to the teams on a hard-fought match!

Chantilly vs. Langley Girls Volleyball

In my second girls volleyball game of the season, I was treated to a true back and forth contest between the Langley Saxons and Chantilly Chargers. Neither team would give in, and the match ended up going into “overtime,” with five sets being played. After trailing in the final set, Langley ultimately pulled away to win the match. Congratulations to the Saxons on a well-deserved victory!

With my friend and fellow School Board Member Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill)

Cunningham Park Elementary Back to School Night

Thank you to Principal Allison Hoak for the invitation to attend Cunningham Park Elementary's Back to School Night, where I saw firsthand the “Portrait of a Cardinal” message, in which every learner belongs, wonders, and grows.

I especially appreciated the emphasis on early childhood reading and literacy, and joint community initiatives such as the Parent Child Playgroup.

Oakton High School Back to School Night

Thank you to new Principal Shannon Matheny for the invitation to attend Oakton High School’s Back to School Night, where I was able to sit in on many classes and explore course offerings.

Most notably, I was able to check in on the classroom computer science and math teacher Mr. Lau. In addition to course specifics, it was interesting to see some of the challenges faced by computer science students and teachers as it pertains to recent board motions on educational technology, artificial intelligence, and student device usage.

Bulletin

2Twenty Club Proclamation

In the first School Board meeting of the new year, I sponsored a proclamation honoring the 2Twenty Club, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income children and families through its mission, “Sharing Love with Our Neighbors.”

Formed in 2007, the organization has 420 members and donors, each of whom contributes two hours of volunteer service and $20 monthly.

Through initiatives such as its Weekend Backpack Food Program, they ensure that students in need have access to nutritious food over weekends and school breaks. Each month, 50 dedicated volunteers personally purchase, pack, and deliver nutritious, shelf-stable food packages to support approximately 50 students at each of 13 elementary schools and one middle school.

I am honored to have been just a small part of their two decades of service and the lasting difference they make in the lives of children and families in our Fairfax County communities.

Congratulations to 2Twenty and its founder, Sook Moon, on this outstanding recognition!

2Twenty Club Walkathon

To support 2Twenty Club’s mission to provide weekend meals for children from low-income families, the organization will host their 6th annual Walkathon to generate financial support and volunteer interest at Burke Lake Park, from 8:30 a.m. on September 19.

2Twenty Walkathon Sign Up

Crossing Guard Action Public Hearing

For the 2026-2027 school year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors made the decision to not fund crossing guards at our FCPS high schools. A temporary fix reinstated crossing guard services at the affected high school locations after a high school student was struck by a car on the way to school on September 1.

The student is fortunate to be recovering from minor injuries.

It should be noted that although Elementary and Middle Schools retained their crossing guards, many high schools still do not have crossing guards in place, and have not had crossing guards for several years.

A public hearing is being held by the Board of Supervisors to explore changes in the 2027 Revised Budget Plan.

Date: Tuesday, September 15

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia 22035

In addition to observing, participants can register to speak using this link.

For questions, please contact the clerk to the Board of Supervisors at

ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-3151

Plan Ahead

A teacher helps a student at a white board

Find your Back To School Info Here

All Back to School event dates are listed on individual school websites and on each region's website.

Region 1 Back to School Events

Region 2 Back to School Events

Region 3 Back to School Events

Region 4 Back to School Events

Region 5 Back to School Events

Region 6 Back to School Events

School Year Calendars

2026-2027 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029

Calendar Reminders: 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.

Upcoming School Board Business & Meeting

Broadcast & open to the public:

Tuesday, September 15, 4:30 p.m. Governance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 22, 5:00 p.m. School Board Retreat
Thursday, September 24, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Monday, September 28, 4:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 6, 11:30 a.m. All-Day Work Session
Thursday, October 8, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Individuals should check BoardDocs for the agenda for School Board meetings since there are closed meetings that often occur before the public portion of the meeting begins.

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
FCPS YouTube Channel, and
FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

FCPS YouTube channel (English), and
FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the FCPS School Board Meetings website for the latest information.

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.

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Director: Sarah Park | 571-423-1074

Staff Assistant: Dane Pototsky | 571-423-1074

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