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Students participate in a Veterans Day assembly at Sunrise Valley Elementary School.
Veterans Day Message From the Superintendent
As someone who grew up in a military family, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid knows that when one family member serves, the entire family serves. Dr. Reid shared the division's gratitude for all military-connected families in this Veterans Day video message.
Share Your Experience as a Military Family With FCPS Leaders
The FCPS Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council provides a space for family members from across the division to provide critical feedback on their experiences within FCPS.
The advisory council meets quarterly with Dr. Reid. Military families are invited to share insights and concerns directly with school leadership.
This year’s first Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council meeting will be at the Gatehouse Café on Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m.
If you are a military-connected family member and would like to participate, please fill out the Family Advisory Council RSVP form. For more information, please contact Katie Server in Family and School Partnerships at kaserver@fcps.edu.
Beyond Expectations: A Journey From Military Mechanic to Inspiring Teacher
Ashley Allee, a teacher at Lake Anne Elementary School, joined the U.S. Air Force as a way to pay for college and pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. Read about how she puts lessons learned in the military to work today, in her classroom.
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Weekly Reflections: Check Out Book Reidports
Happy National Book Week! Dr. Reid has been gathering recommendations from librarians across the school division to share in her Weekly Reflections.
This week, she highlighted “Dogtown” by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldensko, recommended by Librarian Amy Rapuano at Wakefield Forest Elementary School.
Look for Book Reidports each week in Weekly Reflections.
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School Start Times Survey Headed Your Way
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the goal of implementing healthy school start times that are budget neutral, where possible, and minimize impacts on staff. Your feedback remains an important part of this conversation.
At yesterday’s School Board work session, staff presented recommendations for K-12 school start times. They also shared that a survey will be sent to families and staff on Tuesday, November 17.
The survey will close on Tuesday, December 1. The School Board plans to review the results in December and take action later that month. Learn more about the K-12 School Start Times project.
Regulation Updated to Prohibit Operation of E-Bikes/E-Scooters on School Property
FCPS encourages parents to consider having their children walk or ride a bicycle to and from school. To promote safety on school property, particularly during arrival and dismissal when cars, school buses, pedestrians, bicycles, and other traffic converge, Regulation 8610 has been updated to address motorized and electric-powered devices on school property.
Motorized and electric-powered devices — which include electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), hoverboards, motorized skateboards, mopeds, Segways, and similar devices — may not be operated on school property.
Individuals traveling to and from school on either traditional or electric bikes, scooters, etc., should dismount them when reaching the school property line before walking them and parking them in their designated area. When leaving school, they should be walked (not ridden) to the school property line before being used.
This regulation does not apply to wheelchairs or other mobility devices which are being used as mobility aids or as disability-related accommodations. Read more details in section 10c of Regulation 8610.
MAJOR News! Mount Vernon Orchestra Teacher Named a GRAMMY Finalist
Al Rodriguez, orchestra director at Mount Vernon High School, is one of just 10 teachers across the nation left in the running to win the 2027 Music Educator GRAMMY. Read more about Rodriguez and this honor.
Register to Volunteer at Your Child’s School
Through Volunteer FCPS, you can register and search for volunteer opportunities across the school division. All volunteers need to register in Volunteer FCPS.
Visit Volunteer FCPS to view volunteering and mentorship opportunities:
- Click on “Schools” to register with a specific school.
- Click on “Programs” to register as a general volunteer with the county or with the MentorWorks program, which matches individuals with students to meet regularly throughout the year.
Register and complete a short volunteer orientation. If you’ve registered previously, there's no need to register again. But visit Volunteer FCPS to sign up for opportunities of interest!
Review Your Student Supports in SIS ParentVUE
All FCPS schools use a framework called Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student gets the help they need to learn.
Through MTSS, school teams provide high-quality instruction for all students, along with additional time, support, and interventions based on individual needs. Families are important partners in this process, and they will receive information about their child’s learning, needs, and progress.
Families can view their child’s intervention plans and progress in SIS ParentVUE. Progress updates are available quarterly, in alignment with report card due dates.
Find directions for logging in to your SIS ParentVUE account to access MTSS information. Learn more about MTSS in FCPS.
Help Your Child Succeed at School
Every day at school is an opportunity for your child to learn, connect, and grow. Just a few missed days of school here and there can add up to significant losses in learning. This is true in every grade, from kindergarten to high school. Below are some ways to support your child’s learning:
- Help your child maintain routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Check in with them to see if they feel connected, included, and able to take part in learning at school. If challenges are affecting their school day, contact their teachers or counselors to discuss support.
- Follow their assignments and grades in Schoology and ParentVUE. If help is needed, reach out to teachers or encourage older students to connect with their teachers. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in ParentVUE so teachers are able to contact you.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, talk to your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that goes on in the classroom.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to the front office of your school. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
TJHSST Graduate Named 2026 Presidential Scholar
Nived Nandakumar, a recent graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (pictured above, on right, at the 2025 Regional Science Fair), has been named a 2026 Presidential Scholar. Nandakumar is one of 161 students from around the country (and one of two Virginians) selected for the honor.
Read more about how FCPS gives students opportunities to explore their interests, build skills, and prepare for life after high school.
Building Belonging: How a School Psychologist Supports Students
During National School Psychology Week, FCPS proudly celebrates the dedicated professionals who create safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environments across our division.
Emma Day, school psychologist at Annandale Terrace Elementary School, was named a pyramid winner for the 2026 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee for her work supporting students, teachers, and families. Read about Day.
Tales of Cybersecurity: Classic Stories with Modern Lessons
The FCPS Department of Information Technology has launched a new Tales of Cybersecurity multimedia campaign. It uses well-known stories and fairy tales to help our community strengthen good cybersecurity practices.
Look for Tales of Cybersecurity posters at your child’s school, and help strengthen everyday digital habits. Read about Digital Literacy Curriculum to see how students are taught good online and technology habits.
Calendar Reminders: Elementary Early Release Wednesday and Thanksgiving (Holiday)
Elementary Early Release Wednesday
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early on Wednesday, November 18:
- Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Lake Braddock, South Lakes, West Springfield, and Woodson.
Find out more about limited early release Wednesdays.
Thanksgiving (Holiday)
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
Note: FCPS This Week will not be distributed on Wednesday, November 25, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
School Board Meeting on Thursday, November 12
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Agenda items include:
- Early Childhood Education and Childcare Programming Motion
- Awarding of Contracts
- New Intergovernmental Contract - Northern Virginia Community College - Aspiring Teacher Pipeline
View the full agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Adult English Language Classes Enrolling Soon!
Build practical English language skills to help you communicate at work, support your child’s education, engage with your community, and achieve your personal goals.
Low-cost, in-person classes through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) are designed for all levels and provide a supportive environment where you can learn with experienced instructors.
Classes are held at convenient FCPS locations throughout Fairfax County, with day and evening classes available. Placement testing begins soon and is required for all new students to ensure you are placed in the correct learning level. Please visit the FCPS ACE website for more information and scheduling.
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