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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.
Dear Dranesville Families:
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful, relaxing summer so far. Whether you are traveling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the slower pace of these warmer months, I hope you’ve found some well-deserved time to recharge.
This summer marks a new chapter for me as I have the tremendous honor of serving as Chair of the Fairfax County School Board. I am deeply grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the entire Board, Superintendent Reid and FCPS leadership, staff, families, students, and community partners in the year ahead. Together, we will continue focusing on thoughtful governance and making decisions that support every student across Fairfax County while ensuring the voices of the Dranesville community remain well represented.
While our hallways are quiet right now, the work of FCPS staff and the School Board continues. At the July 16th Regular Meeting, we discussed important decisions related to the Skyview High School boundary, student phasing, and transportation planning. These discussions are critical to ensuring a successful opening for our newest high school while balancing the needs of students and families throughout the surrounding communities. The Board approved the Secondary Mathematics Basal Instructional Resources, which will include physical textbooks for every 6th to 12th grade student. The Board voted on seven, including two I proposed, Educational Technology motions. As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to creating policies that enhance learning, promote digital citizenship, safeguard students, and provide meaningful opportunities for students to develop the skills they need for the future. You can learn more below.
As always, I appreciate hearing from Dranesville families and community members. Your perspectives help inform my work. Thank you for your continued engagement, support, and partnership.
I wish you a wonderful remainder of the summer and look forward to welcoming our students and staff back for another successful school year.
Regards,
Robyn
2026 ISTE FCPS Students Award Winners
In this newsletter,
The School Board recognizes the FCPS Honors Winners.
2026-27 School Board Leadership
The Fairfax County School Board confirmed its leadership for the 2026-27 school year at its July 9 Regular Meeting. Robyn Lady (Dranesville District) was elected chair, and Kyle McDaniel (At-Large) was elected vice chair.
 I want to thank Ms. Anderson for her leadership through many challenges and important milestones for FCPS. I enjoyed my time working with her as Vice Chair.
Election of Ms. Robyn Lady as School Board Chair
 "I am humbled and honored to be elected by my fellow school board members, as the 2026-2027 Chair of the School Board. I look forward to working with Vice Chair McDaniel, our Board, Superintendent Reid, our dedicated staff, and our community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will continue building on FCPS’ tradition of excellence while keeping students at the center of every decision we make."
Election of Mr. Kyle McDaniel as School Board Vice Chair
 “I’m grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to serve as vice chair and look forward to supporting Chair Lady as we work together on behalf of Fairfax County students, families, and staff. As an FCPS dad, I know our School Board is at its best when we work collaboratively, listen to our community, and remain focused on providing every student with the opportunities and support they need to succeed,” said McDaniel.
July 16th School Board Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Public Hearing - Skyview High School Proposed Boundaries
Meeting Opening
- National Merit Scholarship Award Recognitions
Key Votes
July 9th School Board Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Key Votes
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2027-28 and 2028-29 Standard School Year Calendars- The School Board voted to adopt the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school year calendars, as detailed. View more on BoardDocs.
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Formally Supporting a 1% Local Option Sales Tax Referendum on the Ballot for Public Schools Construction, Renovation, and Capital Improvement Projects- The School Board voted to support the option to put a 1% local sales tax referendum on the ballot. View more on BoardDocs.
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Annual School Board Organizational Arrangements, Including Election of the School Board Chair and Vice Chair- The School Board voted to approve annual School Board organizational arrangements, including the election of Robyn Lady as chair and Kyle McDaniel as vice chair. View more on BoardDocs.
Presentations
New Student Representative to the School Board
Newt Shosteck, a rising senior at Hayfield Secondary School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board. Shosteck has three main priorities as student representative: strengthening the Student Advisory Council while enhancing student representation in decision-making, reforming security policies, and improving mental health services for FCPS students.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, August 18- Work Session
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Thursday, August 27- 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 school board meetings and sign up to speak:
FCPS Updates
2026-27 First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year! Be sure to bookmark the 2026-27 School Year Calendar.
School Board Approves Skyview HS & Western Pyramids Boundary Changes
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to approve boundary changes for Skyview HS and western pyramid schools at its July 16 meeting. The changes, recommended by Superintendent Reid, will take effect beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
The changes will affect an estimated 2,544 students in the western part of Fairfax County (less than 8% across the western pyramids): 420 middle school students and 2,124 high school students. The boundary study included the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield pyramids. Based on community feedback, elementary school attendance boundaries will not change, although some feeder patterns may be adjusted.
Kelly M. Cabezas, New Principal of Kent Gardens ES
We are thrilled to announce Ms. Kelly M. Cabezas as the new principal of Kent Gardens ES, beginning August 3, 2026.
Ms. Cabezas brings extensive administrative and instructional experience, having served as Assistant Principal at Belvedere Elementary since 2019 and Acting Principal at Franklin Sherman ES in 2024.
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She holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Elementary Education from West Virginia University and an Administration and Supervision certification from the University of Virginia.
Ms. Cabezas' ties to FCPS run deep. She and her husband, Sebastian, who also works for the division, are proud parents of two sons attending FCPS schools. She is passionate about closing achievement gaps, strengthening advanced academics, and building strong community connections.
Jeremy Ferrara, New Principal of Haycock ES
We are pleased to announce Mr. Jeremy Ferrara as the next principal of Haycock ES, starting August 3, 2026.
Mr. Ferrara joins us with a robust career in educational leadership. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Glasgow MS. There, he honed his expertise in instructional leadership, operational management, and student support systems.
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Prior to his time at Glasgow, he served seven years as an Assistant Principal at both Oak Street Elementary and Mount Daniel Elementary in Falls Church City Public Schools.
Mr. Ferrara holds a B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education, and a M.S. in Literacy, both from Syracuse University. He also holds a M.S. in Teaching and Leadership from Queens College, Charlotte.
We are incredibly excited for the energy and vision Mr. Ferrara will bring to Haycock. We look forward to the collaborative work ahead as we continue to support our students in achieving their very best.
April Cage Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Region 2
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