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Crossing Guards, Boundary Meetings, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, and More!
Dear Neighbors,
September has been a busy and energizing month across the Providence District. I’ve enjoyed being out and about in the community and seeing students, staff, families, and neighbors coming together at schools and community gatherings.
Today’s newsletter includes important updates on high school crossing guards and phase two boundary meetings, spotlights Providence’s 2027 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, and includes invitations to Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid, along with other important information for families.
This issue also celebrates the people, programs, and events that make our schools and community special. You’ll find highlights from school visits, Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus food drive, and a visit to the Mantua Community Association’s Touch-A-Truck event — because nothing delights little kids quite like a very large and loud vehicle!
As always, if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Crossing Guard Update
Following close collaboration with our colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, crossing guards are returning to 10 FCPS high schools. The Board of Supervisors approved $707,908 in its FY 2026 Carryover Budget Package to restore these positions for the remainder of this school year, a step that puts student safety first. Thank you to the many families and community members who made their voices heard.
We’re also working together on a lasting solution. Two members of the Board of Supervisors and two members of the School Board will serve on a joint task force focused on long-term approaches to pedestrian and traffic safety. This is a critical extension of my work leading FCPS to initiate its annual School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, which was recently presented to the School Board for the first time.
History Lesson at Kilmer Middle School
I was grateful for the opportunity to join my Braddock District School Board colleague Tom Dannan for a visit to Ms. Kouril’s 7th Grade U.S. History class at Kilmer Middle School. The students were learning about Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and historical limits on Black political participation as they prepared for their first test. It was wonderful to see “Strong Start” procedures in action, including paper agendas, composition notebooks, warm-ups, and paper homework checks to make sure students understand the material – all device-free practices that support FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 1’s focus on developing students’ organization, self-regulation, and the independence needed for academic success.
Boundary Meetings (Timber Lane, Graham Road, Pine Spring, Beech Tree)
The Greenway Downs, Jefferson Village, City Park Homes, and Kingsley Commons boundary studies are moving into their second phase of community meetings, where families will review draft boundary scenarios shaped by the input many shared online and at earlier meetings. The Superintendent will post the presentation with those draft scenarios online this Friday. All families in the Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, and McLean pyramids are invited to the pyramid-level meeting on Monday, September 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Falls Church High School (register: in person | virtual). In the McLean Pyramid, Timber Lane Elementary is the only boundary under study.
If you can’t make it on the 28th, FCPS is hosting smaller local meetings that cover the same information: a Spanish-language Kingsley Commons meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 6–7 p.m. at Knox Church (register: in person only); and a Greenway Downs, Jefferson Village, and City Park Homes meeting on Thursday, October 1, 6–7 p.m. at Graham Road Elementary (register: in person | virtual). Childcare and interpretation are available at every meeting when need is indicated during registration. The Superintendent will weigh this round of feedback and bring a final recommendation to the School Board by January 2027. The Board will then hold a public hearing before any vote.
Back-to-School Visits Across Providence District
Falls Church High School Back-to-School Night
After an enthusiastic welcome from the Jaguars cheer team and a chat with Principal Nowak at Falls Church High School’s back-to-school night, I explored the activities fair and was thrilled to see the Get2Green Club’s solar energy presentation. These students are passionate environmental advocates who are not afraid to speak up and make their voices heard.
Fairhill Elementary Popsicle Playdate
Fairhill Elementary’s Popsicle Playdate was a real treat. I enjoyed catching up with Principal Cooper and getting a few high fives from the little ones. I especially enjoyed seeing the new playground artwork, which includes the word “hello” in every language spoken by Fairhill families. This is an excellent example of the Fairhill community putting FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2 into practice by helping students see their identities and languages reflected in their school and reminding every child that they are welcome, included, and valued.
Marshall High School Back-to-School Night
It was such a pleasure visiting with teachers, staff, and PTA leaders at Marshall High School’s back-to-school night. Marshall’s strong sense of community is a credit to the teachers and staff who clearly love what they do and make the school such a welcoming place. It was also a great opportunity to add to my spirit wear collection!
2026 Homecoming Football Games
Homecoming season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate our schools than showing up in the stands. Our high schools are hosting homecoming games over the coming weeks, each one a chance to cheer on student athletes, enjoy performances from our marching bands, cheerleaders, and dance teams, and reconnect. Whether you’re a current parent, an alum, or just love a Friday night under the lights, all are welcome!
- Falls Church: Friday, September 25, 7 p.m. (v. Rock Ridge)
- Fairfax: Friday, September 25, 7 p.m. (v. West Potomac)
- Madison: Friday, October 9, 7 p.m. (v. Westfield)
- McLean: Friday, October 9, 7 p.m. (v. Herndon)
- Marshall: Friday, October 16, 7 p.m. (v. McLean)
- Oakton: Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. (v. Chantilly)
- Woodson: Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. (v. West Potomac)
Marshall Mayhem This Friday
The Marshall High School Leadership Class cordially invites the entire school community to Marshall Mayhem, an evening of fun, games, music, a showcase of Marshall clubs, and so much more! Come out to show your community spirit and support the Leadership Class and student clubs this Friday, September 25, at 5 p.m. Afterward, head over to the stadium at 7 p.m. to cheer on Marshall Football as they take on Madison High School.
Mantua Touch-A-Truck
What a fun Saturday morning at Mantua Elementary as the community came out to explore the vehicles that keep our county clean and safe, including a recycling truck, police cruiser, fire engine, and one of our new electric school buses. The little ones lined up again and again to sit in the bus driver’s seat and honk the horn. I’m happy to report that the horn is in excellent working order.
Class of 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Congratulations to the 167 FCPS student semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2027. I’m especially proud to recognize our Providence District students who earned this honor:
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Madison High School: Jasper Carson; Thomas Santonicola; Sara Yoshikawa
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Marshall High School: Anna Bae; Nicholas Dierbeck; Jordan Gee; Katherine Lee; Nathaniel Ni; Karen Owens; Ayesha Piracha; Sulaiman Piracha; Eloise Quan; Timothy Tu; David Wang; Yixiang Wang; Anya Yeow
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McLean High School: Vasundhara Jagadeesan; Daniel Kim; Angela Luo; Yunhan Tong; Lexin Zhu
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Oakton High School: Kurshat Bilgin; Sophie Burrell; Caroline Chu; Adeline Emmerich; Kevin Geng; Linus Koepcke; Yuting Liu; Sibel Mehmed; Nidhi Sher; Sophia Wang; Albert Xu; Clara Yin
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Aniruddh Balu; Sidh Jaddu; John Kottmeier; Huylam Le; Kiwon Lee; Alexander Lu; Shriram Navale; Christopher Yang
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Woodson High School: Aiden Brennan; Alexander Liu; Ada Qin; Noah Yen-Goossens
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
Stuff the Bus Food Drive
It was wonderful to see the Providence community show up and support the Stuff the Bus Food Drive at Jim Scott Community Center. The food and gift card donations will benefit Food For Others, an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Superintendent Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at a series of Community Conversations across the school division this fall. Click on a date below to register.
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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
Educate Fairfax Innovation Grant Applications Are Now Open
Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants provide up to $2,000 to help turn creative ideas into meaningful learning experiences for FCPS students. From robotics clubs and student-run cafés to culinary programs, community service projects, and more, these grants help educators take learning beyond the expected. Educators and staff may apply for a grant now through October 4.
If you would like to support Educate Fairfax Grants, please consider making a donation.
Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks are a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. This year, the Fairfax Walk returns to the Providence District at the Mosaic District on Saturday, October 3. Check-in starts at 11 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Learn more about registration, fundraising opportunities, and event details.
Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Fairfax Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Virginia.
Providence Fallfest: Family-Friendly Fun for Everyone
Supervisor Dalia Palchik is partnering with Neighborhood and Community Services to host the 2026 Providence Fallfest on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Jim Scott Community Center. Celebrate fall with friends and neighbors at this free community event featuring performances, games, activities for all ages, and resources from across the County and community. [RSVP TODAY]
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and other vital areas. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape our students’ future. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
In-Person Food and Nutrition Services Job Fair
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Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 6840 Industrial Rd., Springfield, VA 22151, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration is not required to attend. Meet the team and interview on-site.
Upcoming School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
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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