|
Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | اردو | العربية | हिंदी भाषा
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.
Dear Franconia Friends & Neighbors,
As autumn settles in, the leaves begin to turn and the first school quarter has come to an end, I am happy to share that the State of our Schools is strong. At the State of our Schools event hosted on October 29th Dr. Reid shared data reflecting strong overall student achievement, with increasing support for our multi-lingual and special education student population. Programming in areas such as career and technology education programs, athletic programs, arts programs and family outreach are strong and continue to improve to better serve our students and community. FCPS staff and students consistently garner local, regional, national and international recognition across fields ranging from academics, athletics, the arts and leadership.
It was a proud moment for me to see Franconia schools featured at the State of our Schools. I encourage you to check out this 2-minute video highlighting the impressive student exhibits. The Hayfield robotics team, led by Joseph Kerns, Educational Specialist, Robotics & Engineering, were proudly demonstrating two of their robots to an enthralled crowd. Students from the Lewis Leadership Program, along with Dr. Deborah Sran, Program Manager, Linda Mathis, Special Advisor for the Bipartisan Leadership Project, and Principal Serena Giron, engaged participants by speaking about the many service projects they have initiated to create lasting and meaningful change in their community. Students from Irving Middle School’s Horseman Horticulture program, a cross-curricular, project-based learning initiative for Irving's 8th-grade students, showed off their sustainable agriculture projects. The Crestwood Elementary Choir accompanied by Crestwood music teacher Daniel Cranbill and Lewis Mariachi Band teacher Anselmo Mata, brought the crowd to its feet with an uplifting encore performance of De Colores. The performance was the day after I learned of the passing of my beloved cousin, human rights advocate and United Farm Workers (UFW) founder Dolores Huerta. De Colores is the unofficial UFW anthem, so the timing was a particularly poignant and special moment for me on a very personal level. It reaffirmed my “why” I serve as your School Board representative and I remain committed to ensuring that the overall success of our schools is equitable and consistent throughout the Division.
At our October 27th Governance Committee meeting, we reviewed draft policies on the use of educational technology and emerging technologies in FCPS classrooms. Our discussion focused on big questions: What level of technology use is appropriate for students at different ages? What would shifting younger students from individual devices to classroom sets mean for schools and staff? How can we ensure technology is used when it has demonstrated educational value, and how should the policies address passive screen use?
As we refine the policy, we must keep equity at the center of implementation. We need to ensure that students have fair access to appropriate learning opportunities, and that parent notifications and approval processes are accessible to families across our diverse communities. We should also give educators clear, practical guidance and the training and time they need to apply this policy well.
I’m grateful for the feedback I’ve heard from students, families, teachers, and community members. I look forward to hearing more from the Educational Technology Review Committee and continuing to create and strengthen policies that support thoughtful, age-appropriate learning.
Kind Regards,
|
John R. Lewis High School Senior Lucas Trejo is the Washington Commanders' Nominee for the 2026 NFL Latino Youth Honors
Excerpt from the FCPS Article: Grit on the Gridiron and in the Gradebook: Exemplary Lewis Lancer Nominated for NFL Latino Youth Award
October 26, 2026
 The John R. Lewis High School senior is a starting center for the varsity football team and a driving force on the Lancers’ offensive line, but his leadership extends well beyond the football field. This, along with Lucas’ academic prowess and his deep commitment to the Latino community, caught the attention of the Washington Commanders, who nominated him for the 2026 NFL Latino Youth Honors.
Only a handful of high school seniors nationwide are considered for the honor each year. All 32 NFL teams select one male and one female student nominee based on their academic and athletic excellence. A panel will select eight finalists out of the nominees, who will receive grant money for college and a ticket to Super Bowl LXI, where they will participate in special events during Super Bowl Week.
Lewis Head Football Coach Larry Choates wrote a nomination letter to the Commanders asking the team to consider Lucas for the honor. He listed all of Lucas’ accomplishments in football and beyond. He maintains a 3.7 GPA and serves as president of the Student Government Association and secretary for the Class of 2027. He’s a member of the FCPS Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. He’s also involved in many organizations, including Special Olympics, Hispanic Leadership Alliance, the South Asian Student Association, the Arabic Student Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to name a few.
“Lucas Trejo exemplifies what it means to be a leader, a scholar, and a community advocate,” Choates wrote. That’s not all. Lucas also emcees the homecoming pep rally and performs the coin toss at the start of each Lewis home game, acting as a beacon for school spirit...”
“I love doing what I do; I love connecting and being involved,” said Lucas. “I’d rather be here [at school] doing anything I can possibly do than sitting around at home.”
“Lucas is one of those students who brings everybody together,” said Choates. “I could see in his future whether it's in business, engineering, or politics; he has the skill set to be one of those types of leaders."
“He actively works to uplift younger Latino students by hosting school events, teaching them how to play sports, and encouraging them to explore new opportunities,” wrote Choates in his letter to the Commanders. “He is passionate about ensuring that other students — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — have access to the same opportunities he has embraced.”
“I feel really honored, being able to represent Lewis,” he said. “We're a smaller school, so being able to be that person who represents Lewis and shows all the amazing things all these Lewis kids do; I just want to represent Lewis in the best way possible.”
|
Come out and see the Lewis Lancers for Pyramid Night at John R Lewis Football Stadium!
Friday, November 6th at 7:00 PM.
Future Lancer students get free admission and a free t-shirt when accompanied by a paying adult (while supplies last).
➡️Come early to see the Lewis Pyramid Elementary, Middle School and High School choirs perform the Star-Spangled Banner prior to the football game at approximately 6:45pm.
|
|
 |
Hayfield Has the Spirit—and the District Title! 🏆✨
What a night for Hayfield Cheer! The team swept the National District, and I couldn’t be prouder of these athletes and their program.
- National District Champions
-
Cheerleader of the Year: Sydney Jackson
-
Coach of the Year: Brittany Reigelsperger
-
All-District: All 8 Hayfield athletes earned First Team honors
Congratulations, Hawks! 🧡🖤
|
Edison Academy’s Culinary Arts Carry-Out Holiday Pie and Bread Sale
November 20 – 24, 2026
Fresh Baked Pies and Bread for Thanksgiving–Order Yours Today!
All pies and bread will be baked, wrapped and frozen for your convenience, just defrost and serve.
-
Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, at 12:00pm
-
How to Order: Please fill out this form.
|
Homemade Pies include:
- Apple Crumb Pie
- Wet Bottom Shoo Fly Pie
- Pumpkin Maple Pie
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
Fresh Baked Breads include:
- Asiago Cheese
- Brioche
- Soft Twist
- French Baguette
- Ciabatta
|
|
 |
🎭 November Franconia School Theatre Performances
Twain Middle School:
The Sound of Murder
Come and see THE SOUND OF MURDER by Don Zolidis at Mark Twain Middle School November 13 and 14 at 7PM or November 14 at 2PM. Ever hear of THE SOUND OF MUSIC? This is nothing like that. EXCEPT two detectives do interrogate Maria Von Trapp and several other Broadway musical characters to find out WHO KILLED THE DIRECTOR? Was it Maria? Hamilton? Sweeney Todd? The Phantom? Annie? The blonde lawyer or the Mean Girl? Come find out!
Dates & Times:
November 13th at 7:00pm
November 14th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: Twain Middle School
4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
|
 |
|
Lewis High School: The Crucible
One of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is a gripping and timely parable of contemporary society, as well as a studied historical tale.
Dates & Times:
November 12th, 13th, & 14th at 7:00pm
November 15th at 2:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: Lewis High School Auditorium
6540 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150
|
Hayfield Secondary School:
Legally Blonde, Jr.
Come join Elle Woods and all her Delta Nu sisters on a musical adventure through Harvard Law School! Based on the 2001 film, this junior version of the Broadway hit is sure to leave you feeling “So Much Better” than you did before.
Dates & Times:
November 19th, & 20th at 7:00pm
November 21st at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: Hayfield Secondary School
7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315
|
 |
|
Mount Vernon High School: The Illusion
The Illusion is a play written by Tony Kushner that is adapted from Pierre Corneille’s 17th-century French comedy, L'Illusion Comique. The production is a witty, dramatic, and metatheatrical exploration of family, romance, and the magic of theater itself.
Dates & Times:
November 12th, 13th, & 14th at 7:00pm
November 20th at 7:00pm
November 21st at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: Mount Vernon High School
8515 Old Mt Vernon Rd, Alexandria, VA 22309
|
 |
|
West Springfield High School: The Woodsman
Nick Chopper, a lonely woodsman from the Land of Oz, must embark on a harrowing journey to protect the love of his life from her evil guardian, the Wicked Witch of the East. Hauntingly beautiful, this nearly wordless play tells the untold story of the Tin Woodsman through puppetry, movement, and song. Come discover the legend before the legend.
Dates & Times:
November 12th & 13th at 7:00pm
November 14th at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
November 19th & 20th at 7:00pm
November 21st at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: West Springfield High School
6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield, VA 22152
|
Sandburg Middle School: Ace Diamond: Fairytale Detective
Ace Diamond: Fairytale Detective is a fun spoof of the film noir genre, featuring classic fairytale characters like Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, and more! It will be a fun, family-friendly show full of mystery.
Dates & Times:
November 6th at 7:00pm
November 7th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: Carl Sandburg Middle School
8428 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308
|
|
 |
West Potomac High School: Come From Away
Based on the true story of Operation Yellow Ribbon, when 38 civilian planes carrying nearly 7,000 stranded passengers were diverted to a small town in Newfoundland after U.S. airspace closed following the September 11 attacks.
Dates & Times:
November 5th at 7:00pm
November 7th at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
November 13th at 7:00pm
November 14th at 1:00 & 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
Location: West Potomac High School
6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307
|
Never Miss a Show! Subscribe to the Fine and Performing Arts Calendar
View the Fine and Performing Arts calendar on the FCPS website for individual listings of many middle and high school theater events. New events are added regularly. You may also subscribe to the calendar for notifications of upcoming performances.
Want to attend a show? Buy tickets online.
 |
|
Library News and Information |
English Language Learners Group
Improve your English language skills through lessons and small-group conversation with other English language learners. This session is led by a TESOL-certified volunteer with many years of experience in teaching English. This group meets weekly on Tuesdays.
Please see the following information for the upcoming session:
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Kingstowne Regional Library, Conference Room (E151)
7130 Silver Lake Boulevard, Kingstowne, VA, 22315
|
Caregiver Cafe Information Session
Enjoy a boxed meal, learn about resources and connect with other family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 6:00p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Sherwood RegionalLibrary
2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA, 22306-2799
|
How to Apply for Fairfax County Jobs Workshop
Learn about the county’s job application and hiring process, plus tips to make your application stand out!
Date: Thursday, November 19
Time: 10:00am-11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual Event
|
 Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs. Please note that times are subject to change.
Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Wednesday, November 4th at 4:30pm | Administration Committee
- Tuesday, November 10th at 11:30 AM| Budget Committee of the Whole
- Monday, November 16th 4:30 PM | Comprehensive Planning & Development Committee
- Tuesday, November 17th 4:30 PM | Public Engagement Committee
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, November 10th at 11:30 a.m.| All Day Work Session
Public Hearing (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Tuesday, November 10th at 6:00 p.m.| Middle School AAP Center Phase Two
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m.
Watch and Participate:
-
Live Broadcasts: Tune in on Channel 99 (Verizon 11) or the FCPS website.
Stay Informed:
-
Agendas & Docs: Find meeting handouts and logistics via BoardDocs.
Support & Accessibility:
-
Interpretation: Contact the Board Clerk if you require language or ASL support.
-
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
Quick Links
👩💻 Don't Forget to Follow On Social Media 👨💻
Facebook
Instagram
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
|
