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The Braddock Buzz: Safe Routes to School, FCPS Resources, and More.
Happy spooky season everyone!
October is my family’s favorite time of year, and we always seem to make space for an extra Halloween decoration or two. Eventually, we’re going to give up and buy one of those giant skeletons for our front yard.
In the past few weeks, I've been able to visit different classrooms and community events around Braddock, and earlier this week, I joined a work session with the Board of Supervisors and our state delegation.
I’ve also had the chance to connect with a range of constituents on issues affecting their schools and their children, as well as hear from people with policy ideas and feedback for me. Last night, I hosted a roundtable for PTA leaders across Braddock, and tonight, the Board will have a Regular Meeting to discuss the opening of schools, our legislative priorities, and a range of other topics.
The weather this week has been amazing, and it was just in time for National Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day yesterday. This great initiative encourages students, families, and staff to use active transportation to promote the importance of community health, both physically and socially, while also raising awareness for safe routes to school.
 As always, I welcome your inputs and questions. You can email me at Braddock@fcps.edu. You are also welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
Yours in Service,
Tom Dannan
Braddock District Representative
Braddock Bravos
 One day last year, Daniil Prokofev, a Braddock resident and student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), decided to run home from school. He input his home address into Google Maps to guide him on the eight-mile jog from TJHSST’s campus in Alexandria.“The route the Google algorithm gave me had me running along a part of Braddock Road with no sidewalks. I was fighting through shrubbery; it was getting dark, and there were so many cars in close proximity to me,” Daniil, now a senior, said. “From what I know of the area, I realized if I had spent an extra five minutes plotting out my route myself, I would have found a way to get home using sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and trails, all of which are far safer than running alongside so much traffic".
When Daniil shared the experience with fellow TJHSST seniors Ashwath Muppa and Isaac Leetyn, they discovered they had all faced the same issue: standard online navigation tools routinely direct pedestrians and cyclists onto dangerous roads, high-speed traffic, or dead ends.
The three friends realized existing online maps are prioritizing speed over safety, a flaw for students trying to get to school on their own. They also realized they had the skill set to do something about this issue.
Working through the night at the HackTJ event, the team developed SafeWalkr. The program combines data from Fairfax County records, Google Maps imagery, and street databases to map crosswalks, traffic volumes, and sidewalk coverage. Using Python, JavaScript, and C++, they wrote a custom algorithm that balances speed with safety, packaging it into a mobile-friendly site for parents and students
Nationwide, only 10% of U.S. students walk to school today, down from nearly 50% in 1969, the students say, citing federal data. To tackle this trend locally, Principal Mukai introduced the team to a member of the FCPS Safe Routes to School team, Becky Gray.
Working alongside Gray, the trio refined the site to meet the needs of local families. Next, they consulted FCPS Chief Technology Officer Gautam Sethi to understand if the platform would pass district cybersecurity and web-hosting standards. They also met with FCPS Chief Safety and Security Officer Brian Lambert to review operational safety protocols.
SafeWalkr went from a 24-hour hackathon project to a pilot program embraced by FCPS’s Safe Routes to Schools team, crowned the winning concept from the HackTJ event along the way.
SafeWalkr debuted for families who reside in the walking zones at 14 FCPS schools chosen based on the results of a Traffic and Pedestrian survey done during the 2025-2026 school year. Four of these schools serve Braddock District residents: Annandale Terrace ES, Cardinal Forest ES, Kings Park ES, and Ravensworth ES.
“We want to make it easier for kids to walk to school safely,” Daniil said. “It helps combat youth obesity, builds daily physical activity, and removes cars from local roads — benefiting the environment for everyone.”
Check out SafeWalkr routes for your family if you reside in a walking zone of a school involved in the pilot.
 A number of custodial staff were nominated in 2025-26 for Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee, including Braddock’s own Amofa Agyekum, from Laurel Ridge Elementary.
“I’m proud of my school,” says Amofa Agyekum, a custodian at Laurel Ridge Elementary School (pictured above). “I start at 6:30 a.m. I check the building because I want to make sure the school is safe.”
And many students feel safe at school because of Amofa.
“Mr. Amofa brings absolute joy to the Laurel Ridge Elementary School campus each day,” a parent of a student said. “His smile, warmth, and genuine care radiate to each person he encounters at the school. He listens fully and connects with students, staff, and caregivers; he makes people feel seen and is a standout educator. Mr. Amofa treats others with the utmost respect. The community, especially the students, can look to him as a beacon of how to live life based on simple, but often undervalued tenets.”
 While nominating him as an Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee, the parent continued, “Mr. Amofa watches out for ALL students, but specifically keeps an eye on those who may not always be included. He will speak with students who may be alone at lunch or those who may be new to the school and helps them know that they belong at LRES. They are important and valued. His empathetic personality trickles to those around him, and it makes Laurel Ridge Elementary School a better place.”
Students describe Amofa as “always happy,” “the person who makes my day better,” and “someone who cares about us.” They shared that he “never forgets to give a fist bump” and that “he makes our school feel safe and friendly.”
“Their voices reflect deep respect and genuine appreciation, underscoring the powerful and lasting impression he makes each day,” commented Principal Megan Counts.
Each year when Robinson Secondary School seniors return to Laurel Ridge for their senior walk, students look for Amofa and greet him as they did in elementary school, with fist bumps, waves, and hugs.
At Lake Braddock — a vibrant campus serving more than 4,000 students and including 400 staff members — Principal Lindsey Kearns has demonstrated how leadership built on trust and accessibility can transform school culture.
“Ms. Kearns thoughtfully brings together students and parents from across the school, soliciting their feedback and input into ways we can always be improving the educational experience for our students,” said Matt Smith, president of the athletic booster club. “She listens to concerns, absorbs feedback with the highest levels of professionalism, and serves as a role model to students, faculty, and parents of how we should treat each other with respect in our community.”
Smith sees Lake Braddock not only as a school, but as a “hub for our students’ social development. A place where students, faculty, and parents can come together in collaboration to work toward best outcomes.”
Appointed principal in April 2023 after serving as acting and associate principal since 2019, Kearns is dedicated to treating parents and the broader community as essential partners. At the start of each school year, she meets with leaders of the PTSA, athletic boosters, and local community organizations, maintaining open dialogue and regularly attending community meetings.
 She actively supports family engagement events hosted by the school’s family liaison and staff. Whether she is listening to community feedback at an area HOA meeting, greeting students in high-traffic hallways during passing periods, or cheering in full purple overalls and a wig at a field hockey game, Kearns models what it means to lead with empathy, visibility, and shared dedication.
“She consistently seeks meaningful ways to incorporate student perspectives into school decisions,” a student commented. “Her willingness to listen to students' voices is impactful, but her desire and want to actually take those ideas and implement them into the school community makes her even more unique.”
Through her dedication to collaboration, Principal Kearns illustrates how FCPS school leaders cultivate thriving environments where educators, families, and students excel together. In recognition of this dedication, she was named Outstanding New Principal (Kearns) for the 2025-26 school year at the 2026 Honors celebration.
Community Engagement
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.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Request for Volunteers
Register now to attend the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided.
Find ways to volunteer below:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive volunteer hours for their service.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Volunteer hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Register to attend the conference. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
AAP Expansion
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:
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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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.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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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 Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
FCPS Calendar
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.
Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
FCPS Resources
Lake Braddock SS & Robinson SS Community Resource Fair
You are invited! Come connect with FCPS, Fairfax County resources and other organizations for Health & Wellness, Recreation, Education, and Career.
▪ Event Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
▪ Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
▪ Location: Lake Braddock Secondary School – Cafeteria (enter through door 15)
For questions, please contact Family Liaison: Alejandra Peña- Ulloa | apenaulloa@fcps.edu | 703-426-1048
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.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis 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 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join a session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: A Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
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.
Federal Student Aid Form Open
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid for college and career schools, such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now open.
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:
Click on the date to participate. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information.
Quick Links
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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