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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.
Hello, Springfield District,
As we move further into the fall, I’ve had the chance to connect with so many across our schools and community. From visiting Cherry Run Elementary with At-Large Board Member Kyle McDaniel and West Springfield High School with Franconia District Representative Marcia St. John-Cunning, to cheering on the Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker at Hayfield Secondary School and celebrating our incredible staff at the FCPS Impact Awards Ceremony, it’s been an inspiring few weeks.
I’ve also enjoyed joining the Fairfax County Council PTA meeting and celebrating South County High School’s Homecoming. It has been a wonderful reminder of how vibrant and engaged our FCPS community is. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Centreville, Robinson, Hayfield, and South County pyramid community boundary review meetings for your thoughtful feedback and commitment to our schools’ future.
A special highlight this month was meeting with two Webelo Dens to answer questions for their “Our Elected Official” requirement. It’s always a joy to see young students curious about civic leadership!
Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue engaging with families and community members at the upcoming Lake Braddock, West Springfield, Fairfax, Woodson, Chantilly, and Westfield pyramid community boundary review meetings. Your input continues to guide our work as we plan for a strong future for all FCPS students.
I will be in touch soon,
Sandy
Clockwise from top left: Attending the South County High School Homecoming football game; with Student Representative to the School Board, Faith Mekonen; attending the Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker Challenge at Hayfield Secondary School with Franconia District School Board Member Marcia St. John-Cunning; and attending the Innovation Awards Ceremony with Member-At-Large Kyle McDaniel, Member-At-Large Ilryong Moon, Franconia District School Board Member Marcia St. John-Cunning, and Member-At-Large Ryan McElveen.
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.
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October 23 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Strategic Plan Goal One: Strong Start: PreK-12, K-12 School Start Times Update, New Western High School Programming Presentation, etc.
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October 30 at 4:30 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting
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November 3 at 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
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November 12 at 10 a.m. - Work Session: Budget Fiscal Forecast, Finalizing Board’s Legislative Program, and Boundary Discussion
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November 13 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: New Western High School Programming, etc.
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November 17 at 4 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and 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.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Are you interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
Please contact the board clerk if you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting. Find your school board members and learn how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
School Board Work
Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report: Strong Start: PreK-12
At the October 7 work session, the Board discussed the Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report: Strong Start: PreK-12. Progress in early learning remains strong. Data shows that 69% of kindergarten students are meeting grade-level expectations by the spring assessment. Crucially, 82% of these students had prior Pre-K experience, which establishes the foundational link to success. Research consistently confirms that students with Pre-K attendance are more likely to achieve long-term literacy goals.
View the presentation.
Artificial Intelligence
The Board received an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Briefing on how FCPS is preparing students and staff for the next generation of work and learning at the October 7 work session.
FCPS's strategy focuses on:
- Training teachers through AI literacy programs.
- Running pilot programs in select "Lighthouse Schools."
- Exploring a curriculum that promotes the ethical and responsible use of AI.
Developing these skills now is crucial for building a future-ready workforce prepared for careers in technology, data, and innovation that are still evolving.
View the meeting materials.
New Western High School Programming
Also, at the October 7 work session, the School Board discussed programming for the new high school in the western part of the county. This nearly 33-acre site was once home to the King Abdullah Academy. It has 355,000 square feet of modern educational spaces, large multi-purpose halls, libraries and study rooms, fine arts facilities, and athletic space. The purchase of this school represents an estimated savings of approximately $280 million versus the cost of purchasing land and building a new school to respond to the growing needs in the western part of the county.
This is also a significant opportunity for our students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined. We will also work on new course offerings at the western high school, which gives us an opportunity to combine this with ongoing efforts to enhance and expand course offerings across the entire school division.
View the presentation.
Our current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. Please note that the Board will vote on the new high school programming at its November 13 regular meeting. Community members may register to speak or submit video testimony.
Advanced Academic Program Centers
At the September 25 regular meeting, in a follow-on motion, the School Board directed the Superintendent to develop a plan for establishing a full-time middle school Advanced Academic Program (AAP) center in each of the ten high-school pyramids that currently lack one.
Proclamations
I was pleased to support the following proclamation at the Board’s September 25 and October 9 regular meetings.
Superintendent Updates
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