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Dates to Remember

A Message from Principal Harris

Good afternoon Frost MS Community,

As I sit at my desk writing my last note to the Frost Middle School community after 8 plus years as building principal, I am reminded of when I first landed my assistant principal job here at Frost 16 years ago.  I was young, energetic, curious, and scared to death to take on a leadership role! Those times were certainly much simpler, upon reflection, however; the lessons learned during those first six months on the job are ones I still carry with me today. 

Being new, you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands because nobody knows you and you don’t really know what you are supposed to be doing! I spent a considerable amount of time adjusting pens, sharpening pencils and dusting my workspace! 🙂 So, I did what came naturally: I walked around and visited classrooms, talked to students and teachers, let folks know I was there for them and tried to be helpful in any way I could. Turns out, in many respects, those things sum up what’s most vital in a leadership role, showing up! I still try to embody these qualities each day. 

As principal at Frost, I remind students, staff, and the larger community to do three things each day. “Work Hard. Be Nice. Widen Your Circle. We are ONE Frost!”  

I stole a portion of this mantra from the founders of KIPP Schools and Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone. (I’m aging myself in education speak! Also, don’t be afraid to steal good stuff.) 

In Paul Tough’s Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America, he discusses KIPP’s founders’ core philosophy:  “If you work hard and be nice, you can eliminate 90% of the obstacles in your life!” In fact, people would move obstacles out of the way for you because they see what type of person you aspire to be! Cool huh?!  I really love and believe in this way of thinking! I added the last part, Widen Your Circle- probably also stolen-because I believe no one can get through life alone. We all need friends and connections to be our very best, especially young people. Seeking new connections teaches us to get out of our comfort zone, include others, and build broader networks. 

I truly hope the students of Frost MS and the larger C.G. Woodson community continues to strive for excellence, be thoughtful and seek to include others. I am also hopeful that I left Frost Middle School in a better place than I found it. I am grateful for the leaders that came before me and to the many, many personal connections I have built over the years with faculty, staff, and community members. 

As I take this next step in my career, although I’m not quite as young, I am still energetic, curious, and a bit nervous about what lies ahead! What makes me not quite as scared is I know the lessons I’ve learned as a leader in this community have prepared me for anything. 

All the best Frost MS! 

Much love and respect. 

Mr. Harris

Military families make important contributions to our school communities, and finding a sense of belonging after a move can take time. In FCPS, approximately 14,000 military-connected students attend our schools, and one-third of our military families transition into or out of the district each year. At Frost Middle School, we’re proud to welcome 112 military-connected students and their families. During Blue Star Welcome Week (September 26–October 4), we join FCPS in welcoming these families and recognizing their service and sacrifices. We’re glad you’re part of our community—this week and throughout the year!

If you would you like to connect with other military families at Frost or share ideas about how we can help families feel connected, please fill out our Military Family Connection form.

If you have questions about navigating the school system, finding resources for your family, or settling into our community, please feel free to reach out. A great place to start is with our Family Liaison, Ms. Sucar at asucarwarren@fcps.edu. You can also find helpful information through the https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/families-military

#BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS

Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr

FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place. 

Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff. 

Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place. 

A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.

Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey

As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.  

FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers

FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.

Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

• Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
• Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
• Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.

Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.

Walk and Roll to School Day

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 7, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so.  Get more information about Walk to School Day.

TJHSST Freshman Application Information

Attention parents/guardians and students,

Current 8^th grade students 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) beginning on Monday, October 5th at 4:00pm (Freshman Round Calendar) through Wednesday, October 28^th at 4:00pm. The application portal, course prerequisites, GPA requirements, and deadlines can be found here: TJHSST Application Information.  Some important points about the application process are included below, but it is essential that you review the TJHSST Freshman Application Process if you wish to apply.  

If you have any questions about the TJHSST admissions process, make sure you review the TJ Admissions website thoroughly and review the presentation slide deck and Admissions Assessment Information  that were shared during the admissions information session that was held at Frost MS on September 16th. If you were unable to attend the admissions information session held at Frost MS, please refer to the TJ Admissions website for the complete list of dates and locations for TJ Admissions Fall Presentation Sessions which are open to the public and being held throughout the county.

TJHSST Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must be enrolled in the following courses in grade 8:
• Algebra 1 Honors or higher-level math
• Honors Science
• One additional honors course in Social Studies or English, or student is identified as a Young Scholar
• Minimum GPA is 3.5. This GPA is for final unweighted marks in 7th grade for math, science, English, social studies, and World Language (if for high school credit) as well as 1st quarter 8th grade for the same subjects. At the completion of 7th grade, should have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible to apply. It is highly unlikely that 1st quarter 8th grade marks will elevate a GPA lower than 3.5 at the end of 7th grade to a qualifying GPA. Click here to learn about GPA calculation.

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:

• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Volunteer at Frost!

Join us in making a real difference in students’ lives, your skills can enhance educational experiences and strengthen our community. For more information and to sign up to be in our volunteer pool, please click here.

PTA Corner

After School Program

Frost Middle School offers free after-school activities every Monday through Friday from 2:30 – 4:30 PM all school year long.

• Full Schedule & Details: Specific After School Program information for the 26-27 school year can be found here. 

2026 Cross Country Meet Schedule

Family Resources

Family Literacy Program

Family Literacy Program Begins Tuesday, September 22!

Are you a parent or caregiver who would like to improve your English while learning how to support your child’s education? FCPS’ free Family Literacy Program helps families build English language and literacy skills, connect with their community, and become more involved in their children’s schools. Classes meet twice a week and are available virtually or in person. To learn more about eligibility, locations, schedules, and registration, visit: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/multilingual-learners/family-literacy-program

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE

Neighborhood Health  provides patients in Northern Virginia with high-quality primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.

HealthWorks of Northern Virginia provides excellent and affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care for patients from all backgrounds, of all ages and of all incomes.

FROST ASSISTANCE

Throughout the school year we receive information about programs in the community that may be helpful to families who need financial and other types of assistance. If you would like to receive this information, please designate the type of assistance that you could use through the following form. All information is kept confidential.

ParentVUE

Don’t forget to download the new ParentVUE app to keep informed about your child’s progress at school. ParentVUE provides access to important information such as grades, attendance, schedules and discipline, while also being a channel to report health issues.

Quick Links & Phone Numbers

Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702

Family Liaison: Amanda Sucar Warrener: 703-426-5734

Parent Information Phone Lines: Phone lines available in different languages to assist families.

Parent IT Support Portal

Frost MS Website  

Frost MS PTA Homepage

FCPS School Year Calendars

Blue/Gray Calendar and Bell Schedule

SIS ParentVUE Account Access

Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

Frost MS Administration

Anthony Harris: Principal apharris@fcps.edu

Kenya Champ: Assistant Principal kschamp@fcps.edu

Katy Kownacki: Assistant Principal kkownacki@fcps.edu

Richard Deixler: Assistant Principal radeixler@fcps.edu 

Ellen Reed: Assistant Principal evreed@fcps.edu 

Danielle Hornbecker: Director of Student Services dshornbecker@fcps.edu 

Counselors

Megan Dunn mpdunn@fcps.edu 

Larkin Gibas lrgibas@fcps.edu 

Dan Joo djoo@fcps.edu 

Becky Mendoza ramendoza@fcps.edu 

Katie Webb kawebb@fcps.edu 

Frost is on Instagram! 

Follow us at @FrostMsFCPS 

4101 Pickett Rd Fairfax, VA 22032  | Main Office: 703.426.5700
Attendance: 703.426.5702 | Web | Twitter