|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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 Dranesville Families:
It’s hard to believe that the first quarter is ending. These past few weeks I visited many schools, witnessing our staff and students hard at work. I have been privileged to visit community and school events including the boundary meetings for the Herndon, Langley, and Marshall pyramids, the Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker, Herndon HS’s Homecoming parade and football game, the Pride of Herndon’s marching band competition, and Tuesday's McLean vs. Langley Girls Flag Football game. I am thrilled to support the second year of Boys volleyball and the initial year of Girls flag football. A huge thank you to the Washington Commanders for supporting this new sport.
For the next few months, the School Board will be busy with work on the Comprehensive Boundary Work, the Western High School programming and naming, sharing legislative priorities with our Northern Virginia elected officials, and preparing for our FY27 budget. Please share your advocacy, either in support or against, on all these measures. Your engagement assists me with making informed decisions. Please share the upcoming meetings and engagement platforms with your neighborhood to ensure we hear from as many constituents as possible.
FCPS and Fairfax County have resources to help all families through these difficult times and the federal shutdown. You can connect with your student’s teacher, school’s family liaison and mental health team including the school counselors, social worker, and psychologists. Our children feel our stress, and we have resources to help.
I look forward to attending more school activities as we transition from Fall sports to Winter sports and our middle and high schools have their performing arts concerts and plays.
Regards,
Robyn
In this newsletter,
Robyn Lady visited Lemon Road ES and Longfellow MS and spoke with Principal Castillo and Principal Butzer.
Calendar Reminders
October 20 - October 24: National School Bus Safety Week and Digital Citizen Week
October 31: 2-Hour Early Release- End Quarter 1
November 3 - 4: No School- School Planning & Teacher Workday
November 11: Veterans Day- FCPS Holiday
FCPS 2025-26 School Year Calendar
|
School Board Updates
FCPS School Board LGBTQ Proclamation
Comprehensive Boundary Work
Scenario 4- Latest Draft Boundary Map
Boundary Explorer tool is available. You will again have an opportunity to search by your address and provide feedback in the tool. This feedback will be shared with the advisory committee at their meeting in November for review, while they prepare a recommendation for Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
October Boundary Review Meetings
Full list of October boundary meetings. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. At the meetings, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and changes specific to the two pyramids. Participants will also be invited to ask questions. Please note that some meeting dates have changed. You can view past meeting presentations on the community boundary review meetings webpage.
Here are the remaining Dranesville pyramid meetings:
-
Wednesday, October 29, at McLean High School (1633 Davidson Rd, McLean)- Madison and McLean Pyramids, in person or virtual
-
Thursday, October 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Chantilly High School (4201 Stringfellow Rd, Greenbriar)- Westfield and Chantilly Pyramids, in person or virtual
Click “in person” or “virtual” to register for a meeting based on how you would like to participate. Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
Engagement Pathways- How to Share Your Thoughts
Robust community engagement across FCPS is a critical part of the boundary review process. It is required by FCPS Boundary Policy 8130 and the Code of Virginia.
Comprehensive Boundary Review Quick Links
K-12 School Start Times Project Update at Thursday’s School Board Meeting
In January 2023, the School Board awarded a contract for the study of middle school start times and the development of alternatives for later start times.
Transportation Services developed an alternative that meets the board’s expressed preferences. This, along with an alternative from Prismatic, the consultant, that would shift all school start times forward 30 minutes, was presented to the board and shared at community boundary review meetings to help inform the decision process.
A presentation at the tonight's, October 23 at 7 p.m., School Board meeting will provide a brief update on the K-12 start times project.
New Western FCPS High School
FCPS has acquired a new high school in the western part of Fairfax County. This strategic investment will allow FCPS students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined.
FCPS’ current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. The October 7 School Board Work Session discussed programming and naming for the new western high school. An agenda item to open public comment is being added as New Business for tonight's, October 23, board meeting. Potential programming for the new school will be discussed as well.
Robyn and Supervisor Bierman tour the new Western HS.
Western HS Upcoming events
-
Open House- This event will be held at the new high school on Saturday, October 25, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. We plan to begin with a short presentation followed by tours of the main building. The meeting will end with a chance to gather in small groups and discuss opportunities for the future of the school. Please register to attend.
-
Community Meetings About Naming Process- Participate in one of two community meetings on Monday, October 27, to learn about the naming process for the new western high school. A virtual meeting will be (via Zoom) 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A hybrid meeting (in person and virtual) is scheduled at Carson Middle School (13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register to participate in person or virtually.
October 9 Regular Meeting
In the Academic Matters portion of the October 9th School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the Future-Ready Index, which as you may recall from previous issues of Weekly Reflections, is a clear and transparent way for families to understand how the division is doing beyond just SOL scores. She shared this video, which highlights students’ perspectives on how we are preparing them for the future.
Each domain has five indicators which show how the division is progressing toward our shared goals — from academic growth and graduation outcomes to school climate, engagement, and access to meaningful learning experiences. Together, these indicators will provide a more complete picture of how FCPS is preparing students not only for success today, but also for the rapidly changing world ahead. The five domains of readiness that show how FCPS prepares every learner for future opportunity and long-term success:
- Academic Excellence. Rigorous learning that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence.
- Safety and Belonging. Supportive, inclusive schools where every student feels valued.
- Future Ready Experiences. Hands-on, real-world learning that sparks innovation and purpose.
- Great Teachers and Support. Empowered educators driving student growth and equity.
- Community Investment. Partnerships and resources that strengthen every child’s pathway to the future.
In the October 9th Strategic Plan update, Dr. Reid discussed Pillar A: Differentiated and Culturally Responsive Learning Environments. Specifically, she discussed our Design and Construction Services office, who, as their name suggests, are responsible for design and construction of new and renovated school facilities and also provide liaison services between FCPS and Fairfax County Government. During my presentation, Dr. Reid shared this video, in which FCPS staff and educators discuss how Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) guide the design and construction of schools.
September Audit Buzz
Here is the first issue of Audit Buzz for the new school year! We provide an update on current engagements, an article on Look from Outside and Inside - Finance Technician to Auditor, and a training opportunity. Editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on the Office of Auditor General (OAG) website.
|
Upcoming School Board Meetings
-
Tonight, October 23, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
-
Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m.- Work Session
-
Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
- Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are
| 
