A kindergarten student smiles as she swings during recess at Garfield Elementary School.
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More than 32,000 families receive the FCPS This Week newsletter in a language other than English. Would you prefer to receive it in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese?
Contact your school registrar and ask them to update your “corresponding language.”
Weekly Reflections: Kicking Off the School Year Hearing From Students
Last week, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid met with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) for their annual kickoff. The group consists of students from every high school in FCPS.
Topics they discussed included new initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, such as Skyview High School, our Water Safety Program, and our library partnership for second graders. This work supports FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. Read more about the meeting in Weekly Reflections.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
Prepare for your child’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
55 Music Programs Earn Statewide Honors
The Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) is awarding 55 secondary band and orchestra programs in FCPS with the Program of Honor recognition for the 2025-26 school year. VBODA presents this prestigious award to secondary music programs that demonstrate consistent excellence. See the full list of programs honored.
Our Focus on Academic Growth and Excellence
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
This week, we’re highlighting Goal 3, which is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice at FCPS every day.
Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
Military-connected families gathered at Lake Braddock Secondary School from public schools across Fairfax County to play games, work on crafts, and make new friends.
The FCPS Military Families Welcome BBQ, now in its second year, brings together military families, including those who are new to the area or have lived here for years. Read about the BBQ.
Students Gain Real-World Skills in Classroom-on-the-Mall
It’s barely fall, but one store in Fair Oaks Mall is starting to look like a winter wonderland. FCPS students are setting up holiday decorations for Macy’s, gaining experience and professional connections that will benefit them before they graduate.
Through Chantilly Academy’s Classroom-on-the-Mall program, students leave the traditional classroom and learn business operations and techniques at Fair Oaks. Read about this marketing class.
Family Academy Offers Support to Parents and Guardians
The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following programs, webinars, and workshops will take place in October:
- Early Literacy Programs
- Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Family Orientation (for military families)
- Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
There will also be Family Resource Center webinars on topics including Navigating Section 504, How to Get Kids to Open Up to You, the Nuts and Bolts of the Special Education Process, Introduction to Dyslexia, and Transition Planning for families of individuals with disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to explore these and other resources.
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is there! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are okay at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse.
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.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. This summer, these services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health and FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
Calendar Reminders: Yom Kippur (Holiday)
Monday, September 21, is a holiday, and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.
Elementary Early Release Wednesday
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early on Wednesday, September 30:
- 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.
FCPS Statement on Nondiscrimination and Americans with Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. No applicant, employee, student, parent, or other individual shall be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in, any FCPS education program or activity on the basis of race, sex — including sexual harassment, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions — color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or disability, as required by law.
FCPS prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment, files a complaint, or participates as a witness in an investigation.
Questions or complaints involving applicants, employees, students, parents, or other individuals may be directed to the Office of Employee Relations, Department of Human Resources, through the FCPS discrimination complaint process.
Questions regarding reasonable accommodations for employees or applicants may be submitted through the FCPS StaffConnect portal or by contacting Human Resources at 571-423-3000.
Questions involving special education or Section 504 services for students may be directed to the Office of Special Education Procedural Support at 571-423-4290.
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