English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

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 Dixit Dialogue

Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

As I reflect on this past week, including the tragic events of September 11th and those we lost, my thoughts turn to the strength we find in one another—in our families, our friends, our schools, and our community.

We often say, “It takes a village.” Not because we are incapable of facing challenges on our own, but because we should not have to. We come together to celebrate one another’s successes, overcome obstacles, and, especially in our most difficult moments, help carry one another through grief and loss.

This past week has reminded me just how powerful that sense of community can be. But the strength of a village extends beyond the moments when we are called upon to respond to tragedy. It is found in how we care for one another every day—giving voice to those who may not be heard, ensuring the safety of our children, supporting our teachers and schools, and providing every student equitable access to the opportunities and education they need to pursue their dreams.

When you elected me to represent you, you entrusted me with bringing your voices, concerns, and priorities to the decisions that shape our schools and affect our children. I take that responsibility seriously. I will continue to raise the issues that matter to the Sully District, work toward meaningful and sustainable solutions, advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities, and remain steadfast in protecting the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and school communities.

There is difficult work ahead, but there is also tremendous strength in what we can accomplish together. As one community, we can continue building a future where every child is safe, supported, and empowered to turn their own dreams into possibilities.

It is my privilege to serve and represent the Sully community.

In Partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

Update on Crossing Guards at FCPS High Schools Every FCPS student deserves to arrive at school safely and return home to their family. That responsibility belongs to all of us. On Tuesday, September 15, I spoke at the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing in support of student safety and continued collaboration between our two boards. I am grateful that the supervisors unanimously approved $707,908 to restore crossing coverage at 10 high schools—including Centreville and Chantilly—through June 2027. As a School Board member and Budget Chair, I understand the difficult choices we face when resources are limited. Behind every budget decision are real people—in this case, children navigating busy roads and families trusting us to help keep them safe. Restoring this funding is an important step, but our work must continue. We need reliable, long-term crossing coverage, safer intersections, and safe routes to school. I welcome the new joint working group as an opportunity to strengthen coordination among FCPS, county agencies, and VDOT and turn our shared responsibility into practical improvements. Thank you to the students, parents, crossing guards, and community members who shared their experiences and advocated for safer routes to school. Your voices matter, and your concerns deserve to be heard and addressed. I remain committed to the families of the Sully District. As I work alongside my colleagues and county partners, I will continue to keep student safety at the center of these decisions. Our community deserves both immediate action and a lasting commitment.

National Hispanic Heritage month graphic with FCPS logo

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Inside this Newsletter:

• Sully Happenings
• Board News & Updates
• Upcoming Events & Calendar Updates
• Sully Spotlight
• Dixit Toolkit
• Information & Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• Mental Health Resources
• Quick Links

Sully Happenings

Centreville Senior Parent Night & BTSN 

School spirit was in high gear at Centreville High School's Senior Parent Night and Back to School Night!

Thank you Dr. Healey, Mr. Hartman, and the rest of the Wildcats for the warm welcome!!

Elementary Back to School Nights

I had the pleasure of popping in to Centre Ridge and Oak Hill Elementary Schools during their Back to School Nights last week. Both schools had such amazing energy as teachers and staff welcomed parents to see what their students are learning.  

I started off this week at Deer Park Elementary school as they welcomed their 4th grade parents to Back to School Night. Thank you Principal Bob D'Amato for the welcoming introduction to your parents and tour of the school.  I want to give a shout out to Omni Design Innovations for designing and creating Deer Park's new sign. It is a beautiful new addition which will welcome Deer Park students for years to come.

Board News & Updates 

Top Priorities & Board Work

This was a deeply sad and tragic week for the FCPS community—one that reinforced the importance of keeping the safety and well-being of our students and staff at the forefront of everything we do.

Against this difficult backdrop, the School Board came together for our first Budget Committee meeting of the year, a Work Session, and our Regular Meeting. Throughout the week, we advanced action items, motions, and resolutions focused on several important priorities: working toward a permanent solution for crossing guards at all of our schools; ensuring equitable, robust programming across our comprehensive high schools; and protecting the staffing and compensation needed to support our classrooms and schools.

My commitment remains firmly with the students, families, teachers, staff, and schools of the Sully District. I will continue working with my colleagues on the Board and across our community to strengthen student safety, protect our schools, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality, equitable, and positive educational experience.

Budget Committee of the Whole September 8, 2026 Responsible budgeting begins with honesty, transparency, and early planning. As Budget Chair, I believe our community deserves to understand the financial realities facing FCPS before decisions are made—not after. That is why Budget Vice Chair Ilryong Moon and I began these conversations early, allowing the Board and our community time to understand the challenges ahead and participate meaningfully in the FY28 budget process. FCPS is facing a challenging fiscal year. Projected county and state revenue growth may not keep pace with collective-bargaining commitments, rising health care and retirement costs, contractual obligations, and the needs of our students and schools. FCPS leadership has asked central-office teams to identify potential 5% reduction options; however, no specific cuts have been proposed or chosen. The figures discussed at our meeting were hypothetical examples intended to help us understand the scale and impact of different budget choices. My priorities remain clear: protect classroom instruction and needs-based staffing, support competitive compensation, and honor our collective-bargaining commitments while ensuring FCPS remains financially sustainable. To make informed decisions, the Board has requested more detailed data on class sizes, enrollment trends, compensation, county revenue, and historical funding as we continue developing the FY28 fiscal forecast. There will be difficult conversations ahead, but beginning this work early gives us the opportunity to prepare rather than react. I remain committed to a transparent, thoughtful, and collaborative budget process that keeps our students, employees, and schools at the center of the decisions ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• While county funding as increased as revenues have grown, FCPS's share of disbursements have decreased from 52.8% in FY2020 to 51.1% in FY2027
• FCPS has made more than $270 million in combined reductions and cost avoidances across the two most recent budgets
• Next Steps: Early community engagement, closer collaboration with the county Board of Supervisors, 

You can view the materials from this session on Board Docs.

Work Session - Tuesday, September 8

Tuesday's Work Session was held immediately after the meeting of the Budget Committee. Recorded video of the session can be found on YouTube.

KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION

• School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
• Naming Rights 
• Fairfax County School Board Legislative Program and Policy Discussion

A recording of the Work Session can be found on YouTube and by clicking the image above.

Materials from this Work Session can be found on Board Docs.

Regular Meeting - Thursday, September 10

The Board took action on several items, including adopting several policies; postponing a vote on the synthetic turf replacement at South County Middle School; awarding a contract for HVAC repairs at nine school sites; amending the housing projections request; expanding programmatic options at high schools; and approving an amendment to the College Board contract.

I am proud to co-sponsor a motion with my colleague Marcia St. John-Cunning of the Franconia district, directing the Division Superintendent to recommend programming options for schools that are less than 85% utilization capacity. Providing equitable programming options at all of our comprehensive high schools ensures that every student has engaging, academically rigorous options at their zoned high school.

The full agenda is posted on Board Docs. You may also view the recorded meeting on YouTube.

Upcoming Board Meetings and Sessions

• Thursday, September 24th  Regular Meeting
• Monday, September 28th    CPDC Meeting
• Tuesday, October 6th          Work Session
• Thursday, October 8th         Regular Meeting

Regular meetings and work sessions are open to the public, or can be viewed live by through FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings and work sessions are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel.

Community participation is welcome. To learn more about how to register to speak at a regular meeting, visit the FCPS School Board webpage.

School Board Creates Office of Auditor General

The School Board creates the Office of Auditor General (OAG), with the mission to independently determine whether the ongoing FCPS processes are designed and functioning effectively, efficiently and be accountable to the Fairfax County community members.

Read the latest edition of the OAG's newsletter, Audit Buzz, which provides an update into OAG’s work.  Subscriptions are available via FCPS News You Choose.  You can also find out more information about OAG on their webpage.

Upcoming Events & Calendar Updates

Back to School Nights

Each school's name below is linked to their information page listing the dates, times and details of their Back to School Nights. Please check these regularly as times may change.

Thursday, September 17th

Centreville ES:       6:00 - 7:15 PM (Grades 3rd - 6th)

Cub Run ES:          6:00 - 7:30 PM

Lees Corner ES:    6:00 - 7:30 PM  

London Towne ES: 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Navy ES:                5:30 - 7:00 PM (Grades 4th - 6th)

Wednesday, September 23rd

Westfield HS:       6:00 - 8:00 PM

September 17 | Constitution Day

Each year, FCPS schools engage students in lessons about citizenship and civics in honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Lessons may take place in social studies classrooms or through school-wide activities.

September 20–21 | Yom Kippur

Monday, September 21, is a holiday. Schools and offices will be closed.

See the complete school year calendar.

October 7 | SAT and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be administered at each high school on Wednesday, October 7. The exams will be offered at no cost to families.

• SAT School Day: 12th grade students

• PSAT/NMSQT: 10th and 11th grade students

Most 9th grade students will not have school on Wednesday, October 7.

Students are encouraged to use the day to complete any missing work or assignments before the end of the first quarter.

Please contact your child’s school Student Services team with any questions.

Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.

Sully Spotlight

Rocky Run MS Teacher Named Virginia Business Educator's Association Teacher of the Year!  The Virginia Business Educator's Association named Cherie Kronimus, a teacher of business and information technology at Rocky Run Middle School, Middle School Teacher of the Year. This honor recognizes her passion for teaching, commitment to student success and dedication to excellence in business education. Congratulations Cherie!

Westfield HS Honored by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I am proud to celebrate Westfield High School for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship! Westfield is one of nine FCPS schools recognized by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for excellence in environmental education, civic engagement, and STEM connections. Westfield joins a record 118 schools across Virginia recognized for their exemplary work to increase environmental literacy in their communities.

Innovation with Impact Navya Tuteja, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Sully district resident, is using artificial intelligence to make the workplace more accessible. Navya created Raaha, a free AI-powered tool, to help people whose disabilities may not be visible to those around them. Inspired by her mother, who is hard of hearing, and her fellow students, Raaha helps job seekers determine if a work environment is compatible with how their brain works. In an August interview with WTOP, Navya spoke more on the tool's main focus: “Raaha obviously begins with neurodivergent job seekers, because they bear the greatest cost when information is missing. Everyone deserves to know what a workplace will actually be like.” Navya’s work is a wonderful example of how FCPS students are combining technology, empathy, and innovation to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference. Raaha is available as a web-based tool and is available in the App Store.

Westfield Golf off to a Great Start! The Westfield Golf Team is still bringing the heat - teeing up a 5-1 record in match play. The Bulldogs began the season with a 1st place finish at the Statesman Invitational on August 4th and a podium finish at the Warhawk Invitational. Congratulations!   Bulldog XC Brings Home Hardware! Brianna Pritchard takes first place at the Dave Davis Invitational, starting off the season for the Bulldogs with a big W! Impressive finishes were also brought in by Jack Mauck, Ryan Barber, and Dara Anyalebechi.

The Dixit Toolkit

Resources & Tools for You

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Starting the school year with regular attendance builds fantastic habits for lifelong success. Students who attend class consistently excel academically, build strong friendships, and stay right on track for graduation.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your school’s front office. 

Explore FCPS Attendance resources and helpful strategies here!

New ParentVUE App

A reminder to download the new ParentVUE app available in Google Play and the App Store before December 2026 to ensure continued mobile access to your students' school data. 

ATTENDANCE: Parents and guardians can report full day absences up to four days in advance using ParentVUE. For late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update attendance, contact the school’s attendance line.

Permission Forms for School Resources

Empowering your child's learning journey is easy with the Parent Digital Consent system. Conveniently accessible through your SIS ParentVUE login, this tool gives families a simple way to customize access to online educational software, counseling support, and fantastic enrichment resources.

Ready to customize your choices? Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage or check out this quick walkthrough video to see how easy it is!

Manage Student Web Access at Home

Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through the Lightspeed Parent Portal. These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. 

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.

New Safety and Security for Varsity Football Games

FCPS has implemented new safety and security measures to ensure everyone enjoys the excitement under the Friday Night Lights. Go online to learn more.

A big thank you to Chantilly High School for creating a terrific infographic detailing everything you need to know to safely enjoy the big game!  

Student Information & Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Educate Fairfax Innovation Grant  Now accepting grant applications for SY 2026-2027  Apply Here! School-based educators and staff may apply for an Innovation Grant each fall so that they can provide students with equitable access to innovative learning experiences and opportunities in alignment with the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan. Grants are available up to $2,000. Funds must be used by the end of the same school year, and applicants must submit an impact report detailing the outcomes and impact to students. The Innovation Grant application window CLOSES Sunday, October 4th at 11:59 PM. Applicants will be notified by October 23rd.

TJHSST Applications Open October 5th

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).

Applications open at 4:00 PM Monday, October 5th

Deadline for submissions is 4:00 PM Friday, October 30.

No new applications may be started after 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 28th.

Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.

2027 VA House of Delegates Page Program Applications are now open for the 2027 Virginia House of Delegates Page Program, a nonpartisan program that gives young Virginians the opportunity to experience state government firsthand. During the seven-week legislative session in Richmond, Pages work full-time at the State Capitol while learning about the legislative process, public service, civics, and leadership. It is a unique opportunity for students to see the General Assembly in action, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how state government works. The program is open to Virginia students who will be 13 or 14 years old by January 13, 2027. ⭐ Note: You must schedule an interview with your House Delegate to complete the application. Go to My Neighborhood to confirm which Delegate represents you in the General Assembly. ⭐ Click the links below for full details about the application process, eligibility, and program expectations at the links below. Application deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Program Information and Application House Page Program FAQ   📧  Email questions to housepageinfo@house.virginia.gov

Bill of Rights Institute Community Impact Contest Formerly known as the MyImpact Challenge, the Community Impact Contest is a national civic engagement competition, hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute, for students ages 13–19 who are leading service, volunteer, or entrepreneurial projects that address local challenges. Students can earn up to $10,000 for their work while sharing their ideas, inspiring others, and showing what meaningful civic participation can look like in communities across the country. Go to the Bill of Rights Institute website to learn more and apply!

Study Skills and Test Prep Classes through FCPS ACE

Help your student feel confident and well-prepared with accessible, high-quality classes through FCPS ACE! From mastering effective study habits to targeted SAT prep, these convenient courses empower learners to achieve their goals. Explore all upcoming FCPS ACE course offerings here!

Empower Youth Mental Health: $1,000 Mini-Grants Available!

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is offering small grant opportunities to inspire our young leaders to champion student mental wellness. In partnership with the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia, funding helps student-driven initiatives dismantle stigma, spark dialogue, and promote support resources for classmates.

Self-harm ranks as the third leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 24, underscoring the urgent need for student-led advocacy. Help  launch these essential projects across our community. Explore application guidelines and find inspiration from past initiatives today!

Funding Details & Deadlines

• Total Funding: $6,000 available (up to $1,000 per project)
• Eligibility: Youth-led projects in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City
• Proposal Deadline: September 14, 2026
• Award Announcements: October 1, 2026
• Project Completion Date: May 21, 2027

Junior Police Academy

Are your kids interested in learning more about the Fairfax County Police Department? The Fair Oaks and Sully Community Outreach offices are hosting a Junior Police Academy for Fairfax County residents ages 10–14 every third Tuesday of the month.  These interactive sessions give an inside peek at the FCPD and its role in our community through hands-on activities, presentations, and facility tours. Find out more information about the program online!

Upcoming Sessions:

• Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 6:00 - 7:30PM
• Location: Public Safety HQ (12099 Government Center Pkwy)
• Topic: Patrol 
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:00 - 7:30PM
• Location: Sully Station (4900 Stonecroft Blvd)
• Topic: Criminal Investigations Division

Save the Date

Sully Community Day Mark your calendars to celebrate our community on Saturday, September 19th at the Sully Community Center. This free, rain-or-shine event will be an afternoon of family fun, featuring food, music, cultural performances, kids’ activities, outdoor games, county resources, health and wellness activities, and much more! RSVP for the event at tinyurl.com/sullyday26 or go online for more information.  Saturday, September 19th from 11:00am - 2:00pm Sully Community Center 13800 Wall Rd Herndon

Asha-Jyothi 18th Annual 5K Asha-Jyothi, a volunteer based non-profit organization that provides education and healthcare to underprivileged communities, is their 18th Annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Sunday, September 20th at Fairfax Corner. Registration is online and still open. Be sure to select your school on the registration form → AJ donates 100% of the registration fees collected back to each school!  Don’t miss out on this fun-filled, family event! Go online for more information on the event, race packet pickup locations and course map. Sunday, September 20th Fairfax Corner, VA

Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide

Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) for the annual Out of the Darkness Fairfax Walk on Saturday, October 3, at the Mosaic District. The walk brings our community together in remembrance, hope, and support for those affected by suicide. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. All donations and funds raised go directly towards supporting suicide prevention research, advocacy, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Virginia. Learn more and register, explore sponsorship opportunities, or apply to participate in the Resource Fair.

Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice and partnership are vital to our school community! Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid warmly invites you to join an open conversation on Friday, November 13th at 6:30 PM at Colin Powell Elementary School. Come share your ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on setting our students up for success.

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. 

Annual Special Education Family Conference Centering on the theme "Connected Communities, Thriving Students," this free community event celebrates the incredible power of partnership. Families, educators, and community providers will gather to connect, share insights, and discover valuable special education resources designed to help every student thrive. For full details or questions, please visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage or email our team at SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu. Saturday, November 14th Hayfield Secondary School 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA

Mental Health Resources for Families

September is for Self-Care

Self-care isn't selfish. It's essential. Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

A calendar of daily self-care activiites through the month of September

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis. 

Mental Health and Resiliency

Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

FCPS Family Resource Center

Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.

No Cost Virtual Therapy for Middle and High Schoolers

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.

Quick Links

• Newsletter Subscription Preferences
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• FCPS Family Resource Center
• Family Liasions
• Get2Green Website | Email | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter sign-up
• Safety Tip Line
• Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• FCPS CARES
• Educate Fairfax
• Job Openings
• School Board Meeting Information
• School Year Calendars: 2026-2027 | 2027-2028 | 2028-2029

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

Email: Seema Dixit | Phone: 571-423-1085

Sully District Staff: Email | Phone: 571-478-3834