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Fairfax County Public Schools families face a busy stretch of budget decisions, policy feedback, program deadlines and calendar changes through early February.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to present the proposed fiscal 2026 budget to the School Board at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 23. The meeting will be carried on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99, Verizon Channel 11, YouTube and the school system’s website.
Recordings of board meetings and work sessions are available online, including Spanish-language versions. Families may also request language interpretation or American Sign Language support through the board clerk.
Construction plan heads toward vote
FCPS has updated its proposed fiscal 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, covering new construction, renovations and projects that increase school capacity. The annually revised plan accounts for changing school conditions and construction costs while seeking equitable access to high-quality facilities.
The School Board discussed the proposal during a work session and held a public hearing. A vote is scheduled for Thursday, February 6.
Eight FCPS students, meanwhile, were named scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. They were among 300 students selected from nearly 2,500 entrants.
Families and students will weigh in on phone rules
Survey invitations are scheduled to reach FCPS parents and caregivers, staff members, and middle and high school students on Tuesday, January 21.
The survey will gather feedback on possible changes involving Student Rights and Responsibilities, the school system’s cellphone policy and options for storing phones. Responses will be accepted through Monday, February 3.
Language-program lotteries open
The countywide Dual Language Immersion lottery for rising first graders will remain open until 4 p.m. Thursday, February 13. Current prekindergarten students may apply for kindergarten immersion through 4 p.m. Thursday, March 6.
Programs in French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish will be offered during the 2025-26 school year. Informational meetings are planned at participating schools.
High school students considering a year away from traditional education after graduation can attend the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair. School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will host the event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, at Marshall High School. Registration is required.
Boundary meetings continue online
Families who missed the recent in-person Community Boundary Review meetings can participate in virtual sessions scheduled for:
- Thursday, January 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- Monday, January 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Each meeting will cover the same material presented during the in-person sessions. Registration is required to receive an individual Zoom link, and attendance at each session is capped at 400 people. Language interpretation will be available.
Schools urge preparation for extreme cold
Families are being asked to send children to school with warm coats and other suitable winter clothing. Schools track temperatures, wind chills and weather advisories when deciding whether students can participate in outdoor recess or physical education.
Those needing help obtaining winter clothing may contact their school’s family liaison. Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning also offers multilingual assistance with clothing and other needs, including food, shelter, employment, finances and health care, at 703-222-0880.
Student welcome team tackles high turnover
Mason Crest Elementary School’s Tiger Team is helping newcomers adjust to life at a new school.
The school recorded a 21.7% student mobility rate during the 2023-24 academic year, nearly twice the FCPS-wide average of 13.25%. Teachers Monica Buckhorn, Ellyn Pearson and Kimberley Mathews created the student-led welcome committee a year ago to strengthen the school community, support incoming students and potentially improve attendance.
At Holmes Middle School, band director Luis Perez is celebrating his 29th year at the school and his 28th as a trumpeter with the Washington Commanders Marching Band. Two of his former students also perform with the band.
Superintendent Reid has also highlighted Rebekah Griffith’s first-grade class and its use of Benchmark, the school system’s new literacy curriculum. In one activity, students moved around the classroom identifying colors beginning with the consonant blends “br” and “bl.”
Closures and grade-access changes ahead
Schools and offices will be closed Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the presidential inauguration.
Tuesday, January 28, is the final day of the second quarter and will be a full school day. Students will not attend school Wednesday, January 29, which is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be unavailable from 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, for end-of-quarter processing.
Food drive seeks donations
Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus campaign will begin collecting donations at selected locations Saturday, January 18.
The partnership between county government and local nonprofit organizations is entering its 14th year. It has collected more than 220 tons of food for Fairfax County residents experiencing food insecurity.