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Purple Star Achievement, School Renovation Queue Survey, and More
Dear Neighbors,
Fall has brought plenty of chances to connect with neighbors and celebrate our schools and community. One especially exciting milestone: FCPS has become Virginia’s largest Purple Star School Division. I’m proud of the staff who made this possible and grateful to the military-connected families who enrich our school community.
Today’s newsletter includes opportunities to weigh in on school renovations and the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study, along with details about the Special Education Family Conference, and Superintendent Reid’s Community Conversations.
I encourage you to continue reading for these and other important updates. And, as always, if I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
FCPS Named Purple Star School Division
Virginia’s Purple Star Designation program recognizes schools that excel in supporting military-connected students. In September 2024, Superintendent Reid set a goal for FCPS to become a Purple Star Division by the 2026–27 school year. FCPS has achieved that goal: all its schools have earned the Purple Star Designation.
I’m proud of this remarkable achievement and grateful to the staff across our school division who made it possible. More than 12,600 military-connected students attend FCPS, and this designation reflects our commitment to helping them and their families feel welcomed and supported in every school.
McLean Firehouse Open House
I had a fantastic morning at the McLean Firehouse open house, meeting the firefighters and first responders who volunteer to keep our families safe. Senator Saddam Salim and I enjoyed participating in a CPR demonstration and spending time with local children who loved the station’s new fire truck.
Apply Today: School Board Student Leadership Development Program
The School Board is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Student Leadership Development Program. This is a great opportunity for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing who are interested in pursuing futures in law, government, or public policy.
Selected students will partner with their School Board Member to observe how the school division is governed. They will also learn about the board’s committees and functions, develop and debate their own policy proposals, and learn about the process for running to be Student Representative on the School Board.
Each of the nine magisterial district School Board Members will select one student from their district, and the three At-Large Members will select one student each from all applicants. Interested students must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Below are dates to which students must commit to attend in order to participate:
- January 12, 2027: Program Orientation
- April 6, 2027: Mock Forum
- May 6, 2027: Mock Work Session
- May 25, 2027: Program Graduation
If you have any questions, please reach out to SBStudentLeadership@fcps.edu or call the School Board Office at 571-423-1075.
Survey: School Renovation Queue
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective in this Fairfax County Public Schools Renovation Queue Survey. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Please join Fairfax Families for Safe Streets on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodson High School 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. NoVA FSS call to action: smarter street design, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, and stop sign cameras in school zones are among the proven solutions that can help save lives. [Learn More]
McLean High School Homecoming Game
Had a blast joining McLean students, staff, and alumni as we cheered the Highlanders on to victory at their homecoming game under the Friday night lights!
Oakton Congestion and Safety Study
On October 5, Fairfax County Department of Transportation held a meeting for the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study at Oakton High School. The study team is seeking public feedback on the concepts presented at the October 5 meeting. Please complete the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study Round 2 Survey by close of business on Friday, October 30.
Public feedback, including input received during the meeting and via the survey, will help inform the creation of a fourth future traffic scenario for testing. The new scenario and resulting analysis will be shared at the fourth public meeting later this year or early 2027.
Marshall High School Homecoming Game
It wasn’t the homecoming evening anyone had planned. Clear skies and warm temperatures gave way to dark clouds, lightning, and weather delays before the game finally got underway. Congratulations to the Statesmen on a decisive homecoming victory, and a shout-out to the fans and everyone who stayed through the delays to cheer them on to the end.
Apply for U.S. Marine Corps Educators Workshop
The U.S. Marine Corps hosts an Educators Workshop for teachers and educational personnel to learn more about military careers. The 2027 workshop will be March 9–12 on Parris Island, South Carolina. Applicants must meet all the following requirements: Must be principals, superintendents, coaches, advisors, full-time high school (10–12) educators, board members, or civic leaders; Postsecondary or collegiate educators, counselors, coaches, or school officials; Physically able to participate during the workshop, as there are some periods of prolonged walking and/or standing; Have not previously attended a Marine Corps Educators Workshop. For those who are selected, all expenses are paid by the USMC. [Application]
Devices & Delights: An Alternative Device Fair
Devices and Delights is free and open to the public. Drop in anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. on Monday, November 9, at Caboose Tavern, 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna, VA 22180, to learn about and test kid-safe alternative devices. [Learn More]
Providence Fall Fest
I was grateful to join Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Congressman James Walkinshaw, and State Senator Saddam Salim for the Providence District Fall Fest! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with families, celebrate our community, and enjoy activities and performances.
Remaining 2026 Homecoming Football Games
Homecoming season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate our schools than showing up in the stands. Two more homecoming games are coming up for schools attended by Providence District students, a great opportunity 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.
- Oakton: Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. (v. Chantilly)
- Woodson: Friday, October 23, 7 p.m. (v. West Potomac)
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.
Reminder: 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:
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Attend: Register as a family member or educator using the Registration Form.
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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.
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Due Date: Please register to serve as a student participant by Friday, October 30
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Volunteer: Adult volunteers can sign up in Volunteer FCPS to support the event.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Wolf Trap National Park Explorers Nature Adventure Quest
Friends of Wolf Trap National Park invites the community to the Nature Adventure Quest for elementary-aged kids and their families on Sunday, November 1, from 1–3 p.m. at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182, in the Meadow behind the Filene Center. [Register for the Nature Adventure Quest]
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost jobs serving in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancement, 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.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- 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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