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The Dixit Dialogue

Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the after-school program at Stone Middle School, as well as attend the Lights On After School event which reunited the VIP Campers from Franklin, Rocky Run, Stone, Liberty, and Katherine Johnson Middle Schools, and showcased the different clubs and activities offered at each school’s after-school program. These programs offer students a welcoming, supportive place to spend time after school, connect with friends, and explore new interests. From futsal and volleyball to board games, Dungeons & Dragons, chess, and gaming, there is something for many students to enjoy.

I firmly believe the Middle School After-School Program should be available to all FCPS students at no cost, with equitable access to a wide range of clubs and activities. These opportunities are an important part of the middle school experience, helping students explore new interests, build friendships, and develop skills they can carry into high school and beyond. Because programming varies from school to school, students’ access to these opportunities depends on where they attend. I’m committed to working toward more consistent programming across the division so every student has the chance to discover activities that inspire them.

In order to continue to offer this program and eventually expand consistent opportunities, funding has to be preserved in the FCPS budget.  At the November 10 work session, the Budget Committee of the Whole will review the FY 2028 Fiscal Forecast. As Budget Committee Chair, I’ll share regular updates as the budget process moves forward. Our community deserves a clear understanding of FCPS’s financial outlook, the challenges ahead, and the options available to address the funding gap. Your perspective is an important part of this conversation, and I welcome your questions and feedback as our work gets underway.

Consistent, transparent communication is key to maintaining a strong community. Strong communities build strong schools, and strong schools lead to student success. 

In Partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

November is

Native American Heritage Month honors the diverse cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Native peoples. It also recognizes the challenges tribal communities have faced and continue to navigate, while celebrating the strength and vitality of Native cultures today. This month invites us to listen, learn, and support Native youth and communities in preserving their languages, cultures, lands, and lifeways.

El Mes de la Herencia Nativa Americana

El Mes de la Herencia Nativa Americana celebramos las ricas y diversas culturas, tradiciones e historias de los pueblos indígenas y para reconocer sus importantes contribuciones de los Nativos Americanos. También sirve para elevar la concientización sobre los desafíos únicos que éstos han enfrentado tanto históricamente, como en el presente, y lo duro que han trabajado para superarlos.

Inside this Newsletter:

• Sully Happenings
• Board News & Upcoming Sessions
• The Sully Spotlight
• Connect and Contribute
• The Dixit Toolkit
• Calendar Updates & Events
• Information & Opportunities
• Across the District
• Resources for Families
• Quick Links

Sully Happenings

💦FCPS S.A.F.E. Water Festival 💦

💦The FCPS Water Safety Festival was a SPLASH!💦

The event held at Skyview High School kicked off Water S.A.F.E. FCPS which stands for Safe, Aquatic Future and Education. This program is designed to eliminate barriers to water safety education, expand equitable access to aquatics opportunities, and foster youth leadership across the district. 

🔬STEMFest 2026

Congratulatons to the team at STEMAOLOGY for another succesful STEMFest!

Congratulations to my friend Shikha Dixit and her team at Steamology for hosting another successful STEMFest at South County High School! Elementary and middle school students had a great time exploring robotics, coding, engineering, and science through hands-on activities and projects. Thank you, Shikha, and all the volunteers for helping children discover their interests, build confidence, and see themselves as tomorrow’s innovators!

The After-School Programs in Our Middle Schools

The After-School Specialists are creating positive, engaging, and FUN experiences for our middle school students! I believe Middle School After-School Programs should be available to every FCPS student at no cost. They give middle schoolers a safe place to make friends, explore interests, and build skills for the future. 🩵

The Dixit Recap - Board News & Updates

October's Board discussions focused on what students, employees, and families need to thrive—from stronger access to Pre-K and world language learning to effective support for multilingual learners. The Board also celebrated the principals and administrators who lead our schools and recognized the educators and community partners who bring STEM learning to life.

In the upcoming weeks, the FY2028 Fiscal Forecast will be presented at the next Work Session. The Budget Committee as a Whole will discuss the fiscal challenges that lie ahead as well as the School Board's priorities as the development process begins. As Chair of the Budget Committee, I will share regular updates as we move forward, an welcome questions and feedback from the community. 

Please see the FCPS Budget Development Calendar below for key events during this process.

October 19 | FCCPTA-FCPS FY2028 Budget Kickoff

The Fairfax County Council PTA invited me, as Chair of the School Board’s Budget Committee, and Vice Chair Mr. Moon to join a virtual discussion about the school division’s budget and the funding decisions that affect our school communities. We shared an overview of the upcoming budget process: the Superintendent’s proposed budget is expected in January, followed by the School Board’s advertised budget in February, County budget markup in April, and final adoption in May.

As the Board begins discussing priorities and goals for the Fiscal Year 2028 budget in November, community perspectives will be an important part of the conversation. I welcome your questions and feedback as this work gets underway.

October 20 | Work Session

World Languages Program Expansion

At our last Work Session, the Board discussed a proposal to expand the FCPS World Languages program. Dr. Reid's presentation covered language learning from Pre-K through Grade 12, and the scope of the recommendations calls for thoughtful consideration as the Board determines next steps.

As a multilingual person, I value the opportunity for students to learn more than one language. Those skills can open doors and help students develop a broader global perspective. As Chair of the Budget Committee, I also believe we must carefully consider the cost of expanding the program and whether FCPS can provide the resources students need to progress beyond introductory coursework and build real proficiency.

Any expansion should be thoughtfully designed to give students a strong foundation for acquiring a language. The proposal will return for further discussion as the Board considers how to move forward.

The World Languages Expansion and Programming Proposal can be found on Board Docs.

2027 FCSB Legislative Program and Policy Discussion

During this portion of the Work Session, we turned our focus to proposed changes to Virginia’s FOIA rules and reviewed seven key legislative positions for the VSBA delegate. Key takeaways from our discussions include:

Proposed legislative positions for the VSBA delegate, advocating for critical funding support in educational technology, career and technical education, school employee health insurance, teletherapy, and a comprehensive study of Virginia’s school-funding formula.

Clarifying CTE funding language to ensure Fairfax County’s academy programs qualify, allowing our division to prioritize resources for our local students.

Regarding a potential statewide employee health-insurance program, we emphasized the importance of preserving Fairfax County’s strong existing benefits and self-insured option.

Finally, we explored updates to FOIA rules that would make meetings more practical for larger boards while continuing to safeguard public transparency.

October 22 | Regular Meeting

Proclamations

Principal and Administrators Appreciation Month The School Board proclaimed October 2026 as School Principals and Administrators Appreciation Month, recognizing the vital role school leaders and staff play in ensuring every student has access to high-quality education. I am proud and honored to support the dedicated principals who serve the students and families of the Sully District. Your leadership and commitment make a meaningful difference in our schools and community.

National STEM Day I was honored to bring forward a proclamation recognizing November 8, 2026, as National STEM Day before the Fairfax County School Board. Every FCPS student deserves access to high-quality STEM education and opportunities to explore, create, and solve problems. This proclamation reaffirms our commitment to providing the resources and hands-on experiences that help students build confidence, think critically, and prepare for their futures. Thank you to our educators and community partners for helping bring STEM learning to life!

Board Actions and Decisions

Strategic Plan Goal 1 - Strong Start PreK - 12

The Board approved the report on Strategic Plan Goal 1. This report reviews FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 1, “Strong Start: Pre-K Through 12,” focusing on Pre-K availability and student experience and English language acquisition. Below are some key highlights from the report:

• More students are entering kindergarten with Pre-K experience. During the 2025–26 school year, 83% of kindergarteners had attended Pre-K, up 9 percentage points from the baseline. The report says access has grown, but demand remains, with 404 children on the waitlist for a grant-funded PreK slot in April 2026.
• Inclusive Pre-K has expanded. FCPS estimates that 37% of its Pre-K students with disabilities received most special education and related services in a regular early childhood program in 2025–26, up 17 points from 2022–23.
• More Multilingual learners are meeting annual English-growth expectations. In 2025–26, 60% of Multilingual learners with WIDA results for at least two consecutive years met the state progress standard, 15 points above baseline.
• More students are reaching English proficiency. 17% percent of Multilingual learners met proficiency criteria and exited services in 2025–26, up 7 points from baseline.
• There are still an achievement gap for Multilingual learners with disabilities. Only 46% of Multilingual learners with disabilities met the state progress standard for annual English-growth expectations, and 8% met the English proficiency criteria in the 2025-26 school year.

FCPS is using targeted supports to narrow the gap. Reported efforts include added Pre-K classrooms, inclusive classroom models, kindergarten readiness programs and interventions, direct English-language instruction, professional development for teachers, and expanded communication tools for families.

Upcoming Meetings and Sessions

Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)

Wednesday, November 4th 4:30 PM | Administration Committee

Tuesday, November 10th 11:30 AM| Budget Committee of the Whole

Monday, November 16th 4:30 PM | Comprehensive Planning & Development

Tuesday, November 17th 4:30 PM | Public Engagement Committee

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

Tuesday, November 10th 11:30 AM 

Public Hearing (Luther Jackson Middle School)

Tuesday, November 10th 6:00 PM | Middle School AAP Phase 2 

Regular Meeting (Luther Jackson Middle School)

Thursday, November 12th 7:00 PM

Joint School Board/Board of Supervisors Budget Meeting

Tuesday, December 1st 3:00 PM | Fairfax County Government Center

Agendas for all meetings and work sessions are posted on Board Docs 

*Please note: Times and topics are subject to change*

Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Office of Auditor General

The Office of Auditor General (OAG) reports to the School Board.  OAG’s mission is to independently determine whether the ongoing FCPS processes are designed and functioning effectively, efficiently and be accountable to the Fairfax County community members.

The Audit Buzz - The October 2026 issue is out! In this issue, the OAG summarizes the October 12 Audit Committee meeting; introduces their new Auditor III; and offers a training opportunity.   Stay updated on the OAG's work and news by signing up for their newsletter  via FCPS News You Choose.  You can also find out more information about OAG on their webpage.

Sully Spotlight

Stronger Community Creates Stronger Schools

FCPS CARES Honors Kelsey Siepp 

🎉Congratulations to Kelsey Seipp, band teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary School, our Summer 2026 FCPS CARES of the Quarter honoree!

Kelsey saw an opportunity to make band more accessible for two students in Poplar Tree Elementary’s Multi-Age program and turned it into a meaningful musical experience. 🥁🎺

Well deserved, Kelsey! Thank you for making sure every student has the opportunity to be part of the music and the community.

Sully District Champions of Character Awardees

Congratulations to Grier Campbell of Virginia Valor FC and Chantilly Youth Association and MJ Melvin of Virginia Glory Softball, on receiving the Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Award!

This award recognizes honorees who show that sportsmanship matters as much as the final score. Whether facing a loss or celebrating a win, they show courage and humility, put the team’s goals first, and give back to their program whenever they can. 

Aviators Soar at South County Invitational 

🎉Congratulations to the members of the Skyview High School Marching Band on their 1st place finish at the South County Invitational! Honors included 🎶Outstanding Music; 🌟Outstanding General Effect; 🔥Outstanding Visual; 🥁Outstanding Percussion

Westfield Athletics - Fall Sports 2026

Senior Taylor Fenix was impressive this season earning First Team All-State honors for his 5th place finish at the 2026 Class 6 State Championship Golf Tournament! ⛳🏌🏼‍♂️ Congratulations to Taylor and the Bulldog Golf team on a standout season!

Westfield Cross Country Finishes Strong The Girls and Boys Cross Country teams wrapped up their 2026 season at the Northern Virginia Class 6 Regional Meet on Wednesday, Oct. 28th with the a 7th place finish for the girls and 6th place for the boys team.  Senior Brianna Pritchard placed 5th with an impressive 18:18 time moving her on to run at the State Meet in November. Good luck!!

Congratulations to Westfield High School All-District & All-Regional Athletes 📣Cheer - 1st Team All-District: Nicole Berezin, Corianne McGonigle, Ava Nelson, Mahlen Panjeti, Katie Shafer 🏃🏼‍♂️‍➡️XC - All-District: Brianna Pritchard, Audrey Gary, Lucas Barillas 🏑Field Hockey - 1st Team All-District: Madison Neun, Quinn Theut, Zoey Sydnor ⛳Golf - 1st Team All-District: Scott Umayam, Taylor Fenix 1st Team All-Region: Taylor Fenix 1st Team All-State: Taylor Fenix 🏐Girls Volleyball - 2nd Team All-District: Manu Batchala, Jordyn Jenks, Haley Marsh, Campbell Oakley 🏐Boys Volleyball - 1st Team All-District: Evan Ramira, Nik Stuard; 2nd Team All-District: Angelo Ardalan, Kendall Meyer; HM: Leon Grejek Concorde District Player of the Year: Nik Stuard

Connect & Contribute

AAP Expansion Community Engagement Meetings

A Public Hearing on the proposed new AAP Centers for the 2027-2028 school year will be held on November 10. 

FCPS is exploring a proposal to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under this expansion, students who qualify for AAP would take advanced classes at their neighborhood school instead of busing to a center. This expansion would strengthen peer connections within school pyramids and reduce transportation needs.

Learn about expectations for community participation and public hearings on the School Board website.

Annual Special Education Family Conference

Saturday, November 14th | Hayfield Secondary School

Centering on the theme "Connected Communities, Thriving Students," this free community event celebrates the incredible power of partnership.

New this Year - The conference opens with an inspiring panel discussion featuring voices from across our school community: an FCPS student, a high school principal, a community partner, and an FCPS parent. 

Panelists will share personal experiences and practical ideas for building supportive, inclusive communities where students can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. 

Register to attend and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn more about the panelists.

📧Email questions to our team at SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.

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. The next Community Conversation will be held on:

• Tuesday, December 1st at Powell Elementary

Click on the date to register for the session. While not required, registering helps for planning purposes.

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS. La próxima Conversación Comunitaria tendrá lugar el:

• Martes 1 de diciembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Powell (Tenga en cuenta el cambio de fecha)

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.

Support the 2027 Science Fairs!

🔎🧪Be a Volunteer Judge 

Volunteer judges are needed for high school science fairs and the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Help inspire future innovators in our community! Learn more and consider signing up to be a judge!

The Dixit Toolkit

Resources & Tools for You

FCPS News This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• • Family Academy Events
  • Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities
  • Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Novedades de FCPS

En caso de que no haya visto el boletín Esta Semana en FCPS, la división escolar compartió novedades sobre los siguientes temas:

• Eventos de la Academia Familiar
• Feria de recursos para estudiantes con discapacidades
• Se necesitan jueces para la feria de ciencias

Lea “Esta Semana en FCPS” para que conozca más acerca de estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, por favor, suscríbase hoy.

Access to Your Child’s Grades & Assignments

Download the New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.

For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.

Mantenga acceso a las calificaciones y tareas de su estudiante: descargue la nueva aplicación ParentVUE

Las nuevas aplicaciones móviles de ParentVUE y StudentVUE se lanzaron en julio. Asegúrese de descargar la nueva aplicación antes de las vacaciones de invierno. Después de esa fecha, deberá utilizar la nueva aplicación móvil o un navegador web para acceder a ParentVUE o StudentVUE.

Para obtener instrucciones sobre cómo instalar las nuevas aplicaciones y conocer más sobre el proceso actualizado para iniciar sesión, consulte los recursos de las aplicaciones móviles de ParentVUE y StudentVUE.

Si necesita ayuda, envíe una Solicitud de Apoyo para Padres.

Staying Focused & Engaged Without Digital Distractions

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e., in backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell.

This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.  

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.

Ayude a su estudiante a mantenerse concentrado y participar en clase sin distracciones digitales

Por favor, recuerde a su estudiante que los dispositivos electrónicos personales de comunicación o computación deben permanecer apagados y guardados entre sus pertenencias personales, como en la mochila, durante toda la jornada escolar, desde que suena el primer timbre hasta el último.

Esto incluye computadoras portátiles, tabletas, relojes inteligentes, teléfonos celulares y otros dispositivos similares. Durante el día escolar, los estudiantes solo deben usar los dispositivos proporcionados por FCPS para las actividades digitales relacionadas con la escuela. Hay excepciones para los estudiantes con discapacidades y para quienes toman ciertos cursos. 

Si necesita comunicarse con su estudiante durante el día escolar, llame a la oficina principal de la escuela. Conozca más sobre la política de FCPS para teléfonos celulares y la política sobre dispositivos.

Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities

FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills at home.

Lexia Family Information Sessions | Wednesday, November 4th  6:30 PM

Learn more about how FCPS is Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp in classrooms to support students’ literacy growth and have a chance to ask questions.

 Literacy Webinar Series

Join a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading plans and ways to support your child at home. Webinars take place at 10:00 AM

• Tuesday, December 15th | What Is a Reading Plan?
• Thursday, February 19th | How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
• Friday, May 14 | Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools provided paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE on Wednesday, October 28.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page. 

Por favor, complete la Encuesta Federal de Asistencia por Impacto

FCPS solicita a todas las familias que completen la Encuesta Federal de Ayuda por Impacto. El formulario está disponible en SIS ParentVUE, en la sección Online Packets, ubicada en la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla después de iniciar sesión. Por favor, complételo lo antes posible. A partir del miércoles, 28 de octubre, las escuelas proporcionarán formularios impresos a las familias que aún no hayan completado la encuesta en ParentVUE.

¡Cada formulario cuenta! Complete uno por cada niño en edad escolar que viva en su hogar. Así ayudamos a que FCPS reciba todos los recursos disponibles del gobierno federal. Para obtener más información, visite la página de la Encuesta de Ayuda de Impacto Federal. 

Regístrese en ParentVUE

Conozca cómo activar su cuenta de SIS ParentVUE para que pueda enviar fácilmente su encuesta y acceder a otra información útil sobre su estudiante.

Federal Student Aid Form Now Open

The 2027-28 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open. Completing this 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 Scholarship Information Session

College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, will present a virtual information session on the financial aid process for post-secondary education and scholarship information. 

• Scholarship 101
  
  • Saturday, November 14 10:00 AM - 12 Noon

To join the webinar, click on the date of the session for the link to the virtual webinar. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information.

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Student Support

Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction.

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.

Calendar Updates & Events

November 3 | Student Holiday

ELECTION DAY - VOTE!

Teacher Workday for Staff

November 8 | Diwali

November 11 | Veterans Day

Information & Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

📣Calling All Future Leaders 📣 2027 FCPS School Board Student Leadership Development Program There is still time to apply for the 2026–2027 Student Leadership Development Program. This is a great opportunity to learn how FCPS is governed, explore ways to serve on School Board advisory committees, and even run to become the student representative to the School Board.🏫🗳️ Sully District high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing are encouraged to apply. Complete the online application and submit no later than November 6, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by December 22, 2026. Learn more about this opportunity on the FCPS Student Leadership Development webpage. 🌟 2026-2027 Student Leadership Development Program 📣Who may apply: Sully District high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors 📅Applications deadline: November 6, 2027 Questions? Email SBStudentLeadership@fcps.edu 📧 or call the School Board Office at 571-423-1075 📞  I look forward to welcoming the members of the 2026-2027 Student Leadership cohort!

Calling All Civics & Government Teachers The Final Round of the Civic Star Challenge is Open! The Civic Star Challenge—a partnership between iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute—continues to celebrate and recognize educators who share how they are teaching the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary year. Share one lesson, activity, or classroom experience that helps students build civic knowledge and skills for a chance to win $5,000 and earn national recognition.  Open to all teachers of grades K–12, through December 15, 2026. Check out the webpage for more details and to enter!

Winter Sports Tryouts

As the Fall sports season is coming to a close, the winter sports teams are gearing up for tryouts!

All students must complete their athletic registration through Final Forms, and all required documents and signatures should be submitted prior to the first day of tryouts. 

You can see which sports are offered this winter and the schedule for tryouts on your high school's athletic page, linked below. 

Centreville High School

Chantilly High School

Westfield High School

Good luck to all our winter athletes!

FCPS ACE Trade Scholarship Advance Your Career in the Skilled Trades! FCPS ACE is offering a certified Apprenticeship program in the Electrical and Plumbing trades and a $1,000 scholarship towards classes.  Scholarship applications are now open through December 31st.  Schedules and registration for classes are available on the FCPS ACE Apprenticeship webpage starting December 7th. Classes fill quickly so register as soon as possible. Courses start February February 2027. For questions, please contact educationalcounseling@fcps.edu

Shark Tank Tech Challenge Are you ready to chart new waters of creativity, innovation and impact? This exciting opportunity invites Fairfax County students to design an innovative device or app that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Students will use their creativity and technology skills to develop solutions that promote independence, improve accessibility, and make everyday life more user-friendly. Winning projects are awarded prizes and may be considered for potential development. For more information, see the 2027 Information Packet for Students and Teachers. Initial Project Proposals Due December 20 The Initial Project Proposal Form requires a basic project overview and does not require the project be completed. Email proposal to NCSTechChallenge@fairfaxcounty.gov.

High School Leadership Program

Virginia State Senator Stella Pekarsky is now accepting applications for the 2027 High School Youth Leadership Program.

Travel to Richmond during the General Assembly Session in January/February 2027 to engage with political leadership from across the Commonwealth and gain practical knowledge about Virginia's legislative process. This is a great opportunity for students considering a future career in government, politics, or law - but all are encouraged to apply.

The program is free, with transportation, lodging, and meals provided. Applications are open to all high school juniors and seniors, however, space is limited and priority will be given to students who live in Virginia’s 36th Senate District. Once the application period closes, students will be notified of their status.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply online!

Applications will close on November 25th.

Bill of Rights Institute Community Impact Contest Formerly known as the MyImpact Challenge, the Community Impact Contest is a national civic engagement competition, hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute, for students ages 13–19 who are leading service, volunteer, or entrepreneurial projects that address local challenges. Students can earn up to $10,000 for their work while sharing their ideas, inspiring others, and showing what meaningful civic participation can look like in communities across the country. Applications must be received by April 19, 2027 Go to the Bill of Rights Institute website to learn more and apply!

FCPS ACE - Adult English Classes In-Person Classes for Adults in Winter 2027 Develop speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills in English. Classes are January 4 – March 11, 2027 Specialty classes in Conversation, Pronunciation, Microsoft Word or Excel, and English for Employment may also be available. Email adultesol@fcps.edu for more information. Clases de ingles para adultos ¡Únase a nosotros para clases presenciales para adultos para invierno 2027! Desarrolle su idioma, lectura, escritura y escucha en inglés. Las clases se imparten del 4 de Enero – 11 de Marzo 2027 También pueden estar disponibles clases especializadas en conversación, pronunciación, Microsoft Word o Excel, e inglés para el ámbito laboral. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a adultesol@fcps.edu

Study Skills and Test Prep Classes through FCPS ACE

Help your student feel confident and well-prepared with accessible, high-quality classes through FCPS ACE! From mastering effective study habits to targeted SAT prep, these convenient courses empower learners to achieve their goals. Explore all upcoming FCPS ACE course offerings here!

Across the District

Getting to Know FCPS - Military Family Orientation

Military families new to FCPS or moving to FCPS soon may attend this interactive presentation. Families will learn about:

• FCPS programs, school staff, and digital resources
• Strategies to support student success
• Early enrollment for military families
• The Military Interstate Compact

Please fill out the Military GTK registration form to sign up and receive the Zoom link. This virtual presentation will be held via Zoom twice a month.

• November 10: 6 to 7pm
• November 12: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• December 8: 6 to 7 p.m.
• December 10: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Theatre Centreville presents Mean Girls You don't have to wear pink to see Centreville High School's production of Mean Girls, opening Thursday, November 12th! Mean Girls is a musical developed from the 2004 film of the same name. It follows Cady Heron, a homeschooled teenager from Africa who moves to Illinois, enrolls in North Shore High School, quickly learns she has to navigate the Plastics, and  ultimately discovers the true cost of popularity and revenge. (Rated PG-13 Contains Adult language, Alcohol use, and Mature situations) 📅November 12, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM 📅 Sensory Friendly Production - November 15 2:00 PM 🎟️Ticket on Sale Now

Please join Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) and its Fairfax FSS chapter on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodson High School in Fairfax for Fairfax County’s observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This annual event is free and open to the public. Since last year’s observance, 30 people have been killed on Northern Virginia streets while walking, biking, or rolling. Behind every number is a person whose life mattered, a family grieving a profound loss, and a community changed forever. Your presence matters. By attending, you’ll join others in honoring those we’ve lost and showing our elected decisionmakers that our community supports meaningful investments in road safety. EVENT DETAILS Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. Woodson High School, Cavalier Hall 9525 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22031 Get directions Event details: World Day of Remembrance Learn more about Fairfax Families for Safe Streets

🏆FCPS Middle School Cross Country Championships

November 15 | Liberty Middle School

Come out and cheer on our middle school runners on Sunday, November 15th at Liberty Middle School. Teams from Franklin, Liberty, and Stone Middle Schools will race against 14 other schools to see who has the fastest 3K in the County!

📚Centreville Regional Library Fall Book Sale

The Friends of Centreville Regional Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale! Come check out their selection of books, DVDs, audiobooks and more! Cash, checks, and credits cards are accepted.

📅When?

Friday, November 13th 1:00-5pm;

Saturday, November 14th, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday, November 15th, 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Resources for Families

Resource Fair: Moving On to Life in the Community

Thursday, November 19 | 6:30 to 8:30 PM Fairfax High School

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.

Register to attend the resource fair

FCPS Family Resource Center

The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities. Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! 

Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following programs, webinars, and workshops will take place in November:

• Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in English and Spanish).
• Family Cafe Series: Growing Together-Talking about Social-Emotional Learning at Home.
• Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (in Arabic, English, Korean, Spanish, and for military families).
• Sibshops and Sibteens, for children of siblings who have disabilities.

There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including community resources, schoolwork struggles, Community Services Board and Developmental Disability Services, and restorative justice. 

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.

No Cost Virtual Therapy for Middle and High Schoolers

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.

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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

Email: Seema Dixit | Phone: 571-423-1085

Sully District Staff: Email | Phone: 571-478-3834