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Fairfax County Public Schools reported measurable gains among its youngest readers as the division prepares for summer programs, budget decisions and several upcoming student and family events.
Reading screenings conducted between fall and winter showed an increase of more than 4 percentage points in kindergarten through third-grade students approaching or meeting expectations. Among third graders, 3.4% more demonstrated strong foundational reading skills, while 8.4% more were mastering grade-level standards.
The progress followed the introduction of a science-based reading curriculum last fall. The approach includes phonics and is intended to help students transition from learning to read to reading for learning by the end of third grade.
Academic growth is a priority in the fiscal year 2026 advertised budget. The School Board adopted the advertised budget on February 20 and later held a joint meeting with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
At Kings Park Elementary School, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recently observed second-grade teachers planning a lesson using Benchmark Advance, the new language arts curriculum for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Summer camps and courses open registration
Summer learning opportunities include programs in career and technical education, the arts and high school credit courses.
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts programs will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with bus transportation available from select middle and high schools. Registration opens Monday, March 10, and closes Friday, June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp is a one-week exploratory program for current kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Activities cover science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, as well as culinary arts, health, trades, business and marketing.
The weeklong CTE Summer Academy allows students in grades six through 11 to develop technical skills and explore careers.
The Institute for the Arts offers two- and three-week enrichment programs for current sixth- through 11th-grade students. Participants may choose from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, music, theater and Health and Physical Education 9.
Elementary Institute for the Arts is a weekly camp for students in grades two through five. Participants take four classes each day in dance, music, theater and visual art.
Eligible middle and high school students may also earn high school credit through the summer online campus. Available subjects include mathematics, English, science, social studies, world languages, health and physical education, and career and technical education. Registration closes Friday, June 6.
A self-directed Economics and Personal Finance course will run from Monday, June 23, through Friday, July 25. Students must register by Friday, May 23.
During the 2023-24 school year, FCPS students earned more than 14,000 credentials through career and technical education programs, Reid told the School Board on February 20.
Boundary review committee continues its work
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met February 21 at the Gatehouse Administration Center. Materials from the meeting included key takeaways, an agenda and presentation slides.
The committee is part of the school division’s comprehensive boundary review process.
Culinary challenge puts student recipes to the test
Students will compete in the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Teams of students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences electives are creating healthy school meals that must comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition requirements and reflect the cultural traditions represented in local schools.
A panel of local chefs will judge the recipes. The free event will also feature a public tasting, a chef demonstration and a livestream of student presentations. Registration is required.
Woodson hosts Black History Month celebration
Students, educators and community members gathered at Carter G. Woodson High School on February 19 for a Black History Month program.
The event, held at a school named for the historian known as the “Father of Black History,” connected reflections on the past with discussions about the future.
Rising seventh graders face vaccine requirements
Families of students entering seventh grade are encouraged to schedule required vaccinations before the summer rush.
Under Virginia law, families must provide proof of required immunizations for children attending public school. Rising seventh graders need a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster given at age 7 or older and a meningococcal vaccine given at age 10 or older.
Students are also listed as needing the two-dose human papillomavirus vaccine series. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Virginia Board of Health, however, a parent or guardian may choose not to have the child receive the HPV vaccine.
Families without a health care provider can use local immunization resources to locate services.
Transition event supports students with disabilities
Career and Transition Services will host a planning event for families of students receiving special education services from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Jackson Middle School.
Representatives will discuss services available during and after high school, including employment, postsecondary education, supported decision-making and student self-determination.
The program will also cover individualized education program transition planning, special education services and options for younger students. A question-and-answer session will follow, and advance registration is requested.
March programs address mental health and learning
The Family Academy plans several free webinars and events in March for parents and caregivers.
Topics include anxiety in the context of autism, executive-function milestones and strategies for middle school students, teen anxiety and depression, emotional regulation for twice-exceptional students and understanding childhood trauma. The trauma session will be presented in Spanish.
The 2025 Family Summit, titled “Beyond Labels — Nurturing a Culture of Belonging,” will extend topics addressed during the Special Education Conference.
Families are also being encouraged to strengthen communication with children by removing distractions, creating safe opportunities for conversation, listening actively and validating feelings. Asking “how” questions instead of “what” questions may help children speak more openly about their experiences.
Calendar and community reminders
Public Schools Week runs from February 24 through February 28, recognizing educators, education advocates and their contributions to public schools.
Ramadan begins at sundown Friday, February 28. School remains in session, but certain after-school activities that cannot be rescheduled may not take place. Families seeking accommodations involving lunch, prayer, meditation, silent reflection or instruction should contact their child’s principal.
Fairfax County has also assembled assistance for former federal employees, contractors and others affected by workforce reductions. Available resources include job-search guidance and potential financial assistance for health and human services, taxes and pet-related expenses.