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Fairfax County Public Schools families are approaching a consequential boundary vote as the division also responds to high flu activity, expands its use of artificial intelligence and rolls out new safety measures.
Revised school boundaries head toward final vote
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented proposed boundary changes to the School Board on January 8. Following community feedback, including testimony at public hearings on January 10 and 13, Reid began amending her initial recommendation.
Updated materials, including a revised presentation and executive summary, were expected to be posted January 15.
A final public hearing on the revised proposal is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Thursday, January 22, at Jackson Middle School. Anyone wishing to speak must register by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 20. The School Board Office plans to notify speakers by email no later than the morning of January 21.
The board is also scheduled to vote January 22 on the proposed boundary changes and their implementation.
Teachers prepare for student use of AI
Reid recently opened a half-day ChatGPT training session for school-based technology employees and provided the School Board with an update on the division’s approach to artificial intelligence.
Because studies indicate that students are already using AI, the division is beginning by training adults to guide its use. Its principles keep teachers responsible for instruction and decisions, with AI serving only as support.
The framework also calls for academic integrity, student privacy and security, along with continuous monitoring to capture potential benefits while guarding against harm.
Flu activity reaches very high levels
Fairfax County is experiencing very high influenza activity. Flu-like illnesses have driven increased visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers, particularly among children, and the community has recorded multiple outbreaks.
Families are being encouraged to follow public-health precautions that reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
In partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, the school division will offer required student immunizations and optional flu shots without out-of-pocket costs. Events will be held at designated school locations, with additional dates planned throughout the school year. Participation is voluntary and requires an appointment by a parent or guardian.
Students should attend school consistently when healthy but remain home when sick. Families of children with chronic illnesses should notify the school and teacher so assistance can be arranged when necessary.
Adequate sleep can also support children’s health. It contributes to brain development, learning, memory, mood and immune-system function while giving the body time to recover.
Nine students named among top teen scientists
Nine Fairfax County students are among the 300 scholars selected for the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026, a national science and mathematics competition for high school seniors.
One scholar attends Chantilly High School, while eight attend Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, meanwhile, is seeking judges for its Saturday, March 14, event at Robinson Secondary School. More than 250 judges are needed to assess projects spanning fields such as astronomy, plant science and biomedical engineering.
Applicants should have an advanced degree or extensive academic or professional experience in their chosen category. Parents, teachers and family friends cannot judge a category in which a connected student is competing. Registration closes Sunday, March 8.
Registration and language programs open to families
Kindergarten registration involves determining a child’s eligibility, identifying the local school, gathering documents, completing forms and scheduling an appointment. The student and one caregiver must attend the school appointment before the child proceeds to orientation and other introductory activities.
Online registration is also available for kindergarten through 12th grade through a new or existing SIS ParentVUE account.
Applications are open for the 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion Program, which allows kindergarten and first-grade students to spend half of each instructional day learning in English and another language. Available languages are French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
The countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents with a SIS ParentVUE account. Children who are not already enrolled must first register at their base school.
First-grade applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, February 12. The kindergarten deadline is 4 p.m. Monday, March 2. Families with questions may call Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
Emergency buttons added in schools
A new emergency-management system is being introduced across schools to improve safety for students and employees. It includes school sensors and wearable emergency-response buttons for staff members.
The buttons allow employees to request help quickly and discreetly while transmitting their location inside the school. They work only on school grounds and do not depend on cellular service.
The devices are an additional safety measure, not a replacement for calling 911. They may be useful when making a telephone call is unsafe or impractical.
Students connect with seniors and leave an artistic legacy
A club created by South Lakes High School junior Zahra is bringing students and older adults together through monthly visits to senior living facilities.
Zahra started the local GlamourGals chapter last year while thinking of her grandmother in Afghanistan, whom she speaks with online but rarely sees in person. During their visits, club members paint residents’ nails, make crafts and spend time talking with them.
At Hunters Woods Elementary School, sixth graders are adding permanent artwork to a campus already filled with colorful murals and sculptures. Through a PTA-funded Artist in Residence program, the school selects a local artist each year to collaborate with the departing sixth-grade class on a lasting installation.
More opportunities and family reminders
The annual FCPS Gap Year Fair will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, at Marshall High School. Co-hosted by School Counseling Services and Go Overseas, the event is intended for high school students and families exploring opportunities for the year after graduation.
Families are also being reminded of the school division’s rules for cellphones and personal devices. The policy addresses medical and IEP or 504 exceptions, use on buses and field trips, and consequences for violations. Parents who need to contact a student during the school day should call the school’s main office.
Schoology remains the division’s learning-management system, allowing parents and students to review assignments and teacher messages.
Food and Nutrition Services can provide reasonable meal accommodations when a student’s medical condition affects what the child can eat at school. Families must submit documentation from a health-care provider licensed in the United States so an appropriate menu can be developed safely.
January closures and schedule changes
Schools and offices will be closed Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Wednesday, January 28, is the final day of the quarter and an early-release day for students. Schools will be closed to students Thursday, January 29, for staff development and Friday, January 30, for a teacher workday.
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable to students and parents during end-of-quarter processing from 4 p.m. January 28 until 6 a.m. February 5.
School policies, regulations and notices are available online as required by Virginia’s Standards of Quality. Residents may also request a current printed copy of a directive. Historical records are maintained by the School Board office at the Gatehouse Administration Center, and more information is available at 571-423-1075.