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The Braddock Buzz: Musical Honors, Maintaining Academic Excellence, & More!
Hello Neighbors!
I hope you all have settled into this new school year now that our first month is officially in the books (dad pun intended)! I enjoyed getting to attend a number of Back to School Nights (including at my own kids’ school).
I’ve had a number of great meetings with parents, staff, and students, including one with my colleague Ryan McElveen (At-Large) with the Robinson Rambassadors, a student-led program with almost 200 high school students. The Rambassadors help with the transition for all new Robinson students by helping connect them with peers, activities and opportunities.
I also had a blast at the Woodson pyramid’s Cav Carnival with my colleague Karl Frisch from the Providence District. I couldn’t let Karl have all the fun, so I volunteered for the dunk tank, where I was immediately hit by some kid at Canterbury Woods Elementary (if the Nationals need some new pitching, they should scout there).
 On a serious note, I testified at the Board of Supervisors meeting last week about pedestrian safety, recognizing both the mistake that was made in removing crossing guards from high schools, and also the opportunity for our boards to collaborate with each other to make our community safer.
I'm grateful to everyone who has turned out to advocate for this issue, and I think this demonstrates our collective responsibility to keep our communities safe.
I recognize we have limited resources, but there are ways we can share both this responsibility and our resources to improve pedestrian safety - including sharing data, reviewing and establishing new safety criteria, and advocating jointly to VDOT.
 Additionally, the Board of Supervisors proposed and approved a Joint Task Force to Address Pedestrian Safety in Fairfax County School Zones between the Board of Supervisors and School Board. As a dad, School Board member, and a resident, I'm ready to support this in every way I can.
At a recent Work Session, we discussed the Safe Routes to School Report, and I want to recognize Ravensworth Elementary’s exemplary efforts to improve safety that were noted in the report:
Ravensworth Elementary School serves as a strong example of how operational changes, staff involvement, and collaboration between the school and SRTS can significantly improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The implementation of revised Kiss-and-Ride procedures has resulted in measurable improvements, reduced unsafe driving behaviors, and increased satisfaction among families.
As always, I love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to braddock@fcps.edu to share your thoughts.
Yours in Service,
Tom Dannan
Braddock District Representative
A Word From Your Braddock District Supervisor
Dear Neighbors,
Fall is in full swing, as we can tell from the weather outside! 🍂
It sure has been a busy month, with school back in session, Board meetings, community meetings, and some fantastic seasonal events. There have been highs and lows for our local high school football programs, but we’ll be rooting for our teams no matter what. 🏈🏈🏈
Our job as Board representatives is to support you, and we encourage you to reach out to either of us if you ever need something. This month, my office has been visiting local schools during Back-to-School nights (weather-permitting! ⛈️) to help everyone walking in learn about the resources our offices can provide. If you saw people wearing purple polos, that was probably us handing out our flyers with the ways we can support you.
We’ve also been tackling some big issues, including reinstating crossing guards. In the wake of a series of tragedies, I believe that honest reflection matters, and I was happy to see the Board re-examine the need for crossing guards at our high schools. I’m grateful to my colleagues for acting quickly and unanimously to restore crossing guard coverage.
As part of this course correction, the Board unanimously approved the FY 2026 carryover review package, which includes $707,908 in funding and 11 full‑time police positions to restore coverage of 11 crossings at 10 high schools for FY 2027. These steps are vital, and they are also part of a larger picture.
I am grateful to Tom for speaking up at last Tuesday’s Board meeting supporting these actions. He was one of 50 people who gave comments, leading to the return of crossing guards. I am also grateful to everybody who spoke before, during, or after last Tuesday’s meeting.
Governance is mutual. We are here for you, but we rely on a diversity of perspectives to form holistic solutions. So, please email my office at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov or call us at (703) 425-9300 if you have anything to share. We love to listen, and if we can’t help you, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can.
In service,
Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock Bravos
 Fifty-five FCPS secondary band and orchestra programs received the Program of Honor recognition from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) for the 2025-26 school year.
VBODA presents this prestigious award to secondary music programs that demonstrate consistent excellence. To qualify, every ensemble in the school program must achieve superior ratings in state marching band and district performance assessments. This achievement reflects the daily dedication, rigorous instruction, and collaborative effort of our student musicians and directors across the division.
Braddock schools receiving Program of Honor recognition for the 2025-26 school year are:
Band
- Frost Middle School, Danny Tilman, Director
- Lake Braddock Secondary School, Michael Luley and Brandon Gilbert, Directors
- Robinson Secondary School, Andrew Loft and Katie Dever, Directors
- Woodson High School, Aaron Morgan and Helen Landers, Directors
Orchestra
- Annandale High School, Annie Ray, Director
- Lake Braddock High School, Austin Isaac, Director
- Lake Braddock Middle School, Diana Chou and Austin Isaac, Directors
- Robinson High School, Anne Rupert, Director
- Robinson Middle School, Anne Rupert and Francesca Fitzgerald, Directors
- Woodson High School, Devyn Wilcox, Director
Strong foundations in fine arts and music help open doors for advanced student opportunities and lifelong success. Learn more about FCPS Fine Arts programs and music curriculum by visiting the FCPS Fine Arts webpage. Great work!
A total of 167 students from 16 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools are among the semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2027, including 13 Braddock District students:
- Lake Braddock Secondary School: Jayden Dang, Nathaniel Gu
- Robinson Secondary School: Charles Schoonover
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST): Angelo Chu, Patrick Du, Chloe Hong, Daniil Prokofev, Sahas Rajeshirke, Mohith Thathineni, Anna Xu,
- Woodson High School: Andrew Colman, Benjamin Kralovec, Elaina Wi.
All semifinalists are eligible to compete for more than 6,700 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $24 million, to be awarded in spring 2027. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.
 Robinson Secondary School students Jackson Steer, Donovan Hogan, and Surafael Melaku were selected as one of the winning teams in the ISTE+ASCD AI Innovator Challenge. They were invited to present their project at ISTELive 26 in Orlando, Florida.
Their app, CivicLens, was one of just three winners chosen from submissions across the globe. With the support of Coach Don Malkowski, they built their app using Playlab AI to help people navigate the modern news landscape by combating misinformation and algorithm-driven echo chambers.
The tool analyzes how different media sources cover the same topic, providing clear summaries that highlight variations in framing, tone, and word choice rather than telling the user what to think. This project demonstrates a responsible, ethical use of AI that empowers students and community members to practice media literacy and form their own informed conclusions.
The AI Innovator Challenge is designed to give students the opportunity to become problem-solvers, designers, and innovators who use artificial intelligence (AI) for good. Teams explore how AI can be applied ethically, safely, and responsibly to make a difference in their communities — and connect their work to global goals.
The team was also selected to present CivicLens at the National Education Association’s National Technology Leadership Summit in Washington, DC on September 18th, where the theme of the 2026 Summit was Resilience. Respect. Power. Saving Public Education and Our Democracy. CivicLens is a great representation of this theme and how to intentionally use AI in today’s world. Congratulations!
FCPS News
The 2026 FCPS Standards of Learning (SOL) results show our students continuing to significantly outperform state averages.
In addition, the annual pass rates released by the Virginia Department of Education on August 25 show continued gains for FCPS across all three required testing subjects: reading, math, and science. Since the pandemic, all three subjects have had significant shifts in standards and level of rigor for state assessments, yet our students have continued to improve their scores.
In addition, FCPS is proud to have six of the top 10 high schools in Virginia and the number six school in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. Read more about how FCPS ranks compared to other state and national public school divisions.
FCPS and Virginia 2026 Overall Pass Rate Comparison
 FCPS Math Rates by Year
 FCPS held its second annual Military Families Welcome BBQ at Lake Braddock Secondary, which helps bring together new and current military families across Fairfax County to connect while students enjoy games, crafts, and activities.
For military-connected children, meeting new faces in new places is not a new experience. What is different and special is the depth of support for each military family in FCPS.
Events like the Military Families Welcome BBQ have the intent of beginning and strengthening that feeling of community. Dr. Reid, who was a military-connected child herself and is the mother of a Marine, encouraged students and families to take advantage of opportunities to make their voices heard, including the FCPS Military-Connected Youth Advisory Council and Military-Connected Family Advisory Council. “We’re thrilled to be the host to almost 14,000 military-connected children here in Fairfax County. There are many ways to connect,” Dr. Reid said.
The Fairfax County Council of PTAs invited families to become involved with its military families committee, providing another way for families to connect and have a voice in their school communities. For families accustomed to moving from community to community, those connections make a difference.
The food, games, and activities at the military families BBQ served a larger purpose: recognizing that supporting a student means building a relationship with the family behind them.
View details about how FCPS supports military-connected families. Sign up for the Military Family newsletter. If you have questions, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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 “Smoke, fire, fire! Evacuate, evacuate!” yelled a safety patrol from the back of the bus.
Students designated as the safety patrols positioned at four points on the smoke-filled bus calmly but firmly directed their peers to emergency exits, making sure everyone evacuated safely and that no student was left behind.
When an emergency happens on a school bus, and the unthinkable occurs, everyone wants the students to be safe. At FCPS, elementary school safety patrols prepare for those moments through the Safety Patrol Training Camp.
Hosted by the FCPS Office of Transportation Services each summer, the camp combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to teach students the expectations and responsibilities of serving as a school safety patrol.
FCPS operates one of the largest school bus fleets in the United States, with more than 1,600 buses and roughly 45,000 active stops transporting more than 130,000 students every day. Along with attendants, safety patrols serve as an additional set of eyes and ears on the bus, helping drivers maintain a safe environment while they focus on the road.
 Innovation Grant Applications Are Now Open!
At Educate Fairfax, we support the innovation, passion, and commitment of FCPS educators and staff by providing the resources and recognition they need to thrive, empowering them to create meaningful learning opportunities for students and a brighter future for our community.
One way we do this is through our Innovation Grants.
Each fall, school-based FCPS educators and staff may apply for grants of up to $2,000 to bring innovative ideas to life and provide students with equitable access to learning experiences and opportunities aligned with the FCPS 2023–30 Strategic Plan.
During the 2025–26 school year, Educate Fairfax awarded 129 grants totaling more than $210,000 across 117 schools, impacting nearly 47,000 students.
Our goal is to fund an Innovation Grant in every FCPS school and center. With the support of our generous donors and community partners, we can put resources directly into the hands of educators with ideas that inspire, engage, and create new opportunities for students.
Learn more about our Innovation Grants HERE:
Help bring more Innovative Ideas to life in FCPS Classrooms: https://educatefairfax.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate
Applications are open now!
For more information, contact: Eric Kinne Manager, Grants & Program Development eric@educatefairfax.org
TJ Admissions
Applications Open Monday, 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.
 Students can be prepared and confident when they learn the skills to study smarter, not harder, with classes through FCPS ACE. From Study Skills for Academic Success, to SAT Test Prep courses, FCPS ACE has affordable and convenient classes to help your student succeed. Visit the FCPS ACE Test Prep page for course offerings.
 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.
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
 Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Office of Auditor General
The Office of Auditor General (OAG) reports to the School Board. OAG’s mission is to independently determine whether the ongoing FCPS processes are designed and functioning effectively, efficiently and be accountable to the Fairfax County community members. You are welcome to sign up for their 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.
Events
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
Prepare for your child’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
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.
Superintendent Community Conversations
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:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Quick Links
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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