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Safe Routes to School Survey, Boundary Meetings, Marshall’s New Principal and More
Dear Neighbors,
This fall, I’ve enjoyed spending time with families, students, staff, and alumni at events across Providence District. It’s been a pleasure to see people come together to celebrate and support their schools and communities.
Today’s newsletter includes updates on the Safe Routes to School survey, Phase 2 boundary meetings for Graham Road, Timber Lane, Pine Spring, and Beechtree elementary schools, information about applying to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, details about the Special Education Family Conference, upcoming Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid, and more.
You’ll find recaps of Marshall Mayhem, Falls Church High School’s homecoming game, Marshall Road Elementary School’s family picnic, and the Greenway Downs Citizens Association Fall Fest. I’m also pleased to share the news that Anthony Harris will be Marshall High School’s new principal starting October 9th.
As always, if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Karl Frisch Providence District Representative Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
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.
Celebrating Marshall Mayhem with the Statesmen
 Had a great time at Marshall Mayhem! It was wonderful seeing everyone come out for an evening of music, games, club displays, and plenty of Statesmen spirit. A big thank you to the Marshall students and staff who helped make the event such a success.
RSVP Today: Providence Fallfest This Saturday
 Supervisor Dalia Palchik is partnering with Neighborhood and Community Services to host the 2026 Providence Fallfest this Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Jim Scott Community Center. RSVP today and 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.
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 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 and we hope to see you there!
- 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)
Falls Church High School Homecoming Game
 Had a blast joining Falls Church students, staff, and alumni as we cheered the Jaguars on to victory at their homecoming game under the Friday night lights!
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, 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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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Colin Powell Elementary School
Boundary Meetings for Graham Road, Timber Lane, Pine Spring, and Beech Tree Elementary Schools
 Last week, I attended three Phase 2 boundary meetings for our Kingsley Commons, Greenway Downs, Jefferson Village, and City Park Homes communities. Thank you to the many parents who joined the conversation about the various boundary scenarios that could impact Graham Road, Timber Lane, Pine Spring, and Beech Tree elementary schools.
Based on the feedback received by October 6, staff will propose a final scenario (or two) for the community’s feedback in late October or early November. The Superintendent will then review this final feedback and recommend a course of action, which the School Board will follow with a public hearing and vote in January 2027.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
 Join us for 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.
New Marshall High School Principal
 I’m delighted to welcome Anthony Harris as Marshall High School’s new principal. With over 26 years in FCPS, Mr. Harris has built a strong record of putting students first. At Frost Middle School, he raised achievement in reading and math, expanded access to advanced math, and made real gains for multilingual learners, while also cutting chronic absenteeism and suspensions. Just as important, he is known for listening to students, staff, and families and for building strong school communities. I look forward to continuing our work together as he begins at Marshall on October 9.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
 Prepare your child for the future at the College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The Postsecondary Virtual 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.
Marshall Road Elementary School’s Family Picnic
 It was wonderful to join Dr. Reid and my colleague Melanie Meren at Marshall Road Elementary School’s Family Picnic! Thank you to the Marshall Road PTA for bringing students, families, educators, and staff together for a great evening of community and connection.
Apply Today: 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 opened at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 5. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, and submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
Greenway Downs Citizens Association Fall Fest
 I enjoyed attending the Greenway Downs Citizens Association Fall Fest and spending time with families and community members from this wonderful part of the Providence District. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers who brought everyone together and made the event possible!
The Inclusive Leadership Institute
 One Fairfax, in partnership with Leadership Fairfax, can support up to 10 community members to participate in the Inclusive Leadership Institute (ILI), a learning opportunity focused on leading toward racial and social equity.
ILI welcomes people at every stage of their racial equity journey. Participants can expand their knowledge, learn alongside others, and contribute to a more equitable and just Fairfax County.
Interested in participating, or know someone who might be a good fit? Complete or share the ILI Interest Survey by 5 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026. Learn more about ILI, or email onefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions.
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, public health, 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
Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 20, at 5:00 p.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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