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Weekly Update for September 25, 2026
 Picture of the Week
3rd grade students in Ms. Stavros' class
picked their "just right spot" for reading
during Fox Den.
 Sept. 15-Oct. 15 - **National Hispanic Heritage Month
Blue Star Welcome Week
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and schools are a primary way they get integrated into their new location. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 26 through October 4, 2026, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
Picture Day for Retakes and Makeups Friday, 10/9
Sign your child up for a picture using this link
https://forms.gle/4MtM39LJM3Gd8x7J7
No purchase is necessary to retake photos! If a package was purchased, students MUST return their original photo package to the photographer to receive a new package.
Any student may retake their photo for use in the yearbook. Their new photo will automatically replace the original photo in the yearbook.
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
Annual Special Education Family Conference
Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
FCPS invites you to the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Fall Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Newsletter
Parent Information Meeting
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When: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5 p.m.
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Where: Willow Springs Elementary Cafeteria
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Topics: Overview of FCPS Advanced Academic Services (K-12) and the referral process for Full-Time AAP.
Ability Testing
- All Grade 2 students will be tested.
- Grades 3–6 students without a multi-domain score will take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3–6 may retake an ability test one time. To request a retake, contact School Testing Coordinators Laura Tapper latapper@fcps.edu and Peter Wolf pdwolf@fcps.edu by September 30, 2026.
Key Deadlines
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Sept 28: Parent Information Meeting (5 p.m.)
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Sept 30: Ability Test Retake Request Deadline
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Oct 15: Fall Full-Time Referral Deadline (New FCPS students, Grades 3–7)
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Dec 15: Spring Full-Time Referral Deadline (Grades 2–7)
Questions? Visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website for more details.
FCPS is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Fairfax Pyramid Elementary
Honors Choir
Calling all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders! Students are invited to represent our school in the Fairfax Pyramid Elementary Honors Choir.
Rehearsal & Performance Schedule
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Rehearsals: October 20, October 27, and November 10
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Rehearsal Time: 4:45 – 6:00 PM
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Rehearsal Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School
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Concert Date & Time: November 17 at 7:00 PM
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Concert Location: Fairfax High School
This special concert showcase will feature performances from all grade levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
How to Sign Up Please sign up using THIS GOOGLE FORM
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYr1OLUCdmLRD0vS0y-yodZ7T1yvWr-LRqk0ysq28y2gBZ-A/viewform
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
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
FCPS wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
On the Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms webpage, explanations are provided of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices.
View the 2026-27 Opt-Out Booklet
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
We understand that families may need to drop off or pick up their children at school from time to time. Please familiarize yourself with your school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff.
Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of a school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school.
Always follow all signs and directions posted at schools, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our schools. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!!
The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.
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
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