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Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating 241 students named 2026 National Merit finalists while preparing for major budget hearings and a packed April calendar of community events.
The finalists attend 16 FCPS schools. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which also serves as Northern Virginia’s Governor’s Regional School, accounts for 105 of them. FCPS also reported a 37% increase in National Merit semifinalists from 2025 to 2026.
Fairfax County Seeks Budget Input
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The board is reviewing the advertised fiscal year 2027 budget and may make adjustments before adopting it in May.
A Franconia District budget town hall will air on Channel 16 at 6 p.m. Friday, April 10. Public hearings are scheduled at the Government Center Board Auditorium for 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, and 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 15-16. Residents must register in advance to speak.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9. The agenda includes several proposals to amend the 2026-27 school calendar.
Purple Up! Day Honors Military Children
Students, families, employees and community members are invited to wear purple Wednesday, April 15, in support of military-connected children.
Purple represents all military branches by combining Army green, Marine Corps red and the blue associated with the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force. The observance is part of April’s Month of the Military Child.
FCPS provides transition assistance and other resources to military-connected families, whether they are moving permanently into the district or living in the area temporarily.
Student Writers and Leaders Recognized
FCPS students received 24 Gold Key awards in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition. Altogether, students earned 162 Gold Keys, Silver Keys and honorable mentions. Gold Key entries automatically advance for consideration in the national Scholastic Writing Awards.
High school students also gathered at the new Skyview High School for the first Superintendent Student Summit, a leadership and engagement event intended to elevate student perspectives across the school division.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will continue meeting with residents during four Community Conversations, each scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
- Thursday, April 16, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
- Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
- Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
The events are open to everyone. Registration is optional but helps organizers arrange child care and interpretation services.
Special Education and Transition Events Approach
More than 500 families and community members are expected at the 2026 Special Education Family Conference on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. Registration allows attendees to request accommodations and language interpretation and select from keynote, breakout-session and vendor-hall programming.
Career and Transition Services will hold “Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in Woodson High School’s cafeteria.
The event is intended for students with disabilities pursuing standard or advanced diplomas and their families. Representatives from education, workforce and community programs will discuss options after high school and answer questions. Advance registration is encouraged.
Fine Arts Programs Emphasize Experimentation
During the Academic Matters portion of the March 26 School Board meeting, Reid discussed how fine arts courses build lasting skills while encouraging belonging and self-expression.
Programs including International Baccalaureate Dance and Advanced Placement 2D Studio Art and Drawing use an iterative process in which students experiment, reflect and refine their work. Mount Vernon High School’s IB dance program was highlighted as one example.
FCPS Recognizes School Employees
April is School Library Month, and April 3 marked School Librarian Day. At Gunston Elementary School, librarian Nicole Oberdick has created an immersive environment designed to spark curiosity and support students’ academic and personal interests. Oberdick was an Outstanding Elementary School Teacher finalist last year.
National Assistant Principals Week runs April 6-10. Dominic Williams, assistant principal at Union Mill Elementary School, was recognized as FCPS’ 2025 Outstanding School-Based Leader.
FCPS also marked Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, observed annually on the first Wednesday in April. Samina Butt of Irving Middle School was recognized as a finalist for Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee.
An instructional job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Prospective educators will be able to network and interview with representatives from FCPS schools. Registration is required.
April Calendar Changes
Friday, April 10, is a school planning day, and students will not attend classes.
Thursday, April 16, is a regular school day designated for the Theravada New Year religious and cultural observance. Mandatory tests, field trips and major events will not be scheduled.
Schools will also be closed to students Tuesday, April 21, for Virginia’s statewide election, although activities, athletic practices and events may continue as scheduled.
Participating schools will offer a free lunch and snack that day to children 18 and younger. Meals must be eaten on site, where enrichment activities will also be available.
FCPS Adult and Community Education will offer $15 off tuition for any class purchased Wednesday, April 15, using the promotional code TaxDay15. The discount expires at midnight.