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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Marcia’s Message
Dear Franconia Friends & Neighbors,
I would like to warmly remind you to please come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the School Board tomorrow, October 8th. A special reception at 6:00pm in the Luther Jackson Middle School (LJMS) cafeteria will precede the School Board Meeting at 7:00pm in the LJMS auditorium, where students from Crestwood Elementary will perform De Colores, accompanied by FCPS’ new Mariachi Band teacher. LJMS is located at 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.
 School Board Forum on Strengthening Student Safety and Belonging
Yesterday, the School Board held a Forum on Strengthening Student Safety and Belonging, a topic brought by Mr. Frisch (Providence District) and Mr. McDaniel (At-Large). I noted in the discussion that new reports show immigrant children are experiencing increased bullying, and that we need to ensure robust family engagement in our efforts to eradicate bullying to the extent possible. It is essential for us to strengthen and ensure active engagement in our partnership with parents and caregivers, with the hope that all students receive consistent anti-bullying messages at home as well as at school.
I also shared from my experience as a Family Liaison the efficacy of parent training programs such as Loving Solutions. I believe that such programming should be a standard offering throughout the county.
Superintendent’s Community Conversations
On Monday, September 28th, I participated in the Superintendent’s Community Conversations at Riverside Elementary. Joining Superintendent Reid at her Community Conversations sessions is always enlightening. Aside from listening to community concerns, it is always great to connect with parents, families, and staff I’ve known and worked with for years. Being back at Riverside Elementary brought back memories of the summer it hosted the reRoute US 1 Steam Summer Program I helped initiate in Title 1 schools!!!
Franconia AAP Center Expansion Meeting
I was glad to attend the AAP Center expansion community meeting at Key Middle School on September 29th. This expansion is a result of a School Board motion that I supported, which directs Superintendent Michelle Reid to explore the expansion of AAP Centers throughout the county. I am looking forward to Key Middle School and Hayfield Secondary School becoming AAP Middle School Centers in the Franconia district. Kudos to Dr. Ellen Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, for jumping in and providing ASL interpretation support for a community member.
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Hayfield Secondary School Visit
One of the best parts of my job is being in schools and engaging with students and staff. At the invitation of Newt Shosteck, the Student Representative to the School Board, I had the pleasure of joining the Hayfield Young Democrats club on September 30th—they are a truly impressive group of thoughtful students! A special thank you to Hayfield Secondary School Social Studies teacher Ben Bernier and Department Chair Doug Zywiol.
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors BOS’s Annual Legislative Reception and Work Session
Yesterday I also attended Fairfax County’s General Assembly reception and work session to connect with legislators and listen to the discussion. During the meeting, School Board Member Ricardy Anderson shared several of the Board’s concerns and priorities, including the need for sustainable special education funding and the fact that FCPS is not receiving the full amounts of Impact Aid funding. She also spoke on behalf of the Board about providing multilingual students ample time to learn English and opportunities to take exams in their language, so their results accurately reflect their knowledge of the material. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with legislators and hear these important issues discussed as the county prepares for the 2027 General Assembly.
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Focus on Franconia
🎭 Upcoming School Performances
Mark your calendars and get your tickets! Visit each school’s website for additional information and ticket details.
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October 15–17 — Dear Evan Hansen | Hayfield Secondary SchoolPerformances are at 7 p.m. Tickets and details
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November 12–15 — The Crucible | John R. Lewis High SchoolPerformances are Nov. 12–14 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
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November 12–21 — The Illusion | Mount Vernon High School
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November 15–17 — Legally Blonde, Jr. | Hayfield Secondary School
Student Opportunities & Information
TheatreMania
TheatreMania 2026 is coming! Middle school students are invited to join us at Kilmer Middle School on Saturday, November 7 for a day of hands-on theatre workshops led by theatre professionals. Students will participate in four workshops covering areas such as acting, dance, vocal performance, improv, technical theatre, design, directing, and more. Students of all experience levels are welcome!
Cost: $25
Location: Kilmer Middle School
Date: November 7, 2026
Students register themselves through the TheatreMania Google Form: Registration: https://forms.gle/QbvT43xzmfaJEfav8
Registration deadline: October 24th
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Attention FCPS Student Performers!
Fairfax County Public Schools
“Let Student Voices Open the Meeting”
What: Perform the National Anthem at a School Board Regular Meeting
Who: FCPS student performers - it can be a school based ensemble like a 5th grade choral group or HS orchestra; small student groups; or soloists.
When: At the beginning of a School Board Regular Meeting, which are typically on Thursday evenings and begin at 7:00 p.m. More information on dates can be found in the Google sign up form.
How to Sign Up: Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Secure Preapproval: You must obtain approval from your principal or school administrator before submitting a performance request.
- Prepare Your Details: Gather the following information for the registration form:
- School name, ensemble or soloist details, and preferred performance dates.Stage setup requirements: Any specific equipment, microphone, chair, or stand needs. Please note that risers cannot be used for singing performances.
- Submit the Request: Complete the official 2026-2027 School Board Performance Registration Form
- Check for Confirmation: You will receive an automated email confirming that your form was received.
Important Guidelines:
- Selection Policy: Completing the form does not guarantee your selected date. To ensure opportunities are distributed fairly across the district, priority may be given to new registrants or schools that have not performed recently.
- Final Date Confirmation: The School Board team will contact you directly to officially confirm your scheduled performance date.
Questions? Please contact SBPerformances@fcps.edu or call 571-423-1075
Senator Pekarsky’s 2027 High School Youth Leadership Program
FCPS students once again have the opportunity to participate in Senator Pekarsky’s High School Leadership Program this upcoming legislative session!
This program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to visit Richmond during the General Assembly's legislative session and learn about political leadership on the state level. Students will be able to observe committee hearings and floor debate, take a tour of the state capitol, participate in panels with lobbyists, advocates, and political leaders, as well meet lawmakers and their staff. This is a great opportunity for students considering a future career in government, politics, or law - but all are encouraged to apply.
Please note that this is a free program and students will be provided with transportation, lodging, and meals at no cost to them or their families.
The application is open to junior and senior students until Sunday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so students should expect to be notified about their status following the closing of the application. Please note that priority will be given to students who reside within the 36th Senate District of Virginia (Centreville HS, Chantilly HS, and Westfield HS).
Here is the link to the application, including more details and program dates.
🎓Preparing for Life After High School Graduation
Middle and high school students and families can learn more about preparing for college or a career by visiting the following websites:
Each site contains information on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degree options and labor market career projections.
💰The Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA)
Is Now Open
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now open. Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.
Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Sessions
College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, will present virtual information sessions on the financial aid process for post-secondary education and scholarship information. Sessions include:
Please click on the date to participate. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information.
Moving on to Life in the
Community Resource Fair
Students with disabilities and their families are invited to attend the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School.
The fair is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after leaving FCPS. It is an opportunity to connect with agency and vendor representatives to gather information about services for adults in need of ongoing support. The exhibitor fair includes information on supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential provider options, travel training supports, advocacy, and funding.
Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, and residential options. Register to attend the resource fair.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Admissions Applications Opening Soon
Applications will open on Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. for the class of 2031 at FCPS’ premier science, technology, engineering and math high school!
Final Application Start Date: Wednesday, October 28, at 4 p.m.
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 30 at 4 p.m.
Please visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.
Parent and Caregiver Opportunities & Information
📢Safe Routes to School Parent & Caregiver Survey–Please Submit by October 15th 📝
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.
Please 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 within FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
💞Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
- Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home.
Please join the next event on Wednesday, October 21st from 6:30-8:00pm at the Kingstown Regional Library.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request.
For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
🏠Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Join a session. Upcoming topics include:
October 14th: Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions)
November 18th: Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home
December 9th: Toilet Training
January 13th: Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home
February 10th: Communication: A Foundation for Independence
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
FCPS News You Need
📅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.
 Photo of all 12 FCPS School Board Members
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs. Please note that times are subject to change.
Work Sessions & Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 6, 11:30 a.m. All-Day Work Session
- Monday, October 12, 4:30 p.m. Audit Committee
- Tuesday, October 20, 11:30 a.m. All-Day Work Session
- Tuesday, October 27, 4:30 p.m. Governance Committee
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 8, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Thursday, October 22, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Watch and Participate:
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Live Broadcasts: Tune in on Channel 99 (Verizon 11) or the FCPS website.
Stay Informed:
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Agendas & Docs: Find meeting handouts and logistics via BoardDocs.
Support & Accessibility:
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Interpretation: Contact the Board Clerk if you require language or ASL support.
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- 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
Quick Links
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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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