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Fairfax County students in the Class of 2025 outperformed both Virginia and worldwide averages on the SAT, one of several developments announced for local families this week.
The county’s average total score was 1183, compared with 1112 across Virginia and 1029 globally. Students averaged 596 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 587 on Mathematics, exceeding the corresponding state and worldwide averages. The pattern held for the overall student population and every reporting group.
Weekly student internet reports begin
Starting Sunday, October 12, parents and guardians with access to student records through SIS ParentVUE will automatically receive weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Reports.
Delivered by email each Sunday, the reports will summarize websites students visited on school-issued devices during the previous week. Each message will also contain a registration link for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, where families can review more detailed browsing information and pause internet access on a student’s school laptop outside instructional hours, including at dinner or bedtime.
Girls flag football program launches
Superintendent Michelle Reid visited Westfield High School for the first of two uniform-reveal events celebrating the school division’s new girls flag football program. The Washington Commanders are sponsoring the initiative.
College planning events approach
The annual college fair is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at EagleBank Arena at George Mason University. About 200 institutions are expected, including two-year and four-year colleges and U.S. service academies.
A virtual postsecondary night will follow Tuesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Family Resource Center will also hold a college-preparation webinar Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Families of eighth graders and high school students can learn what students should do during each year of high school to strengthen college applications.
West Potomac dancers mentor younger students
Members of the West Potomac High School dance team are developing leadership skills by teaching ballet to local students with Down syndrome.
The Purple Tutus program is designed to build confidence and pride among its younger participants. Students demonstrate their work during two showcases each year.
Automotive teacher earns $50,000 prize
Marshall Academy automotive instructor Rebecca Fenton has won a 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, bringing a $50,000 award to the academy.
Fenton is the only woman teaching automotive courses in the county school system.
Woodson coach recognized for leadership
National Coaches Day on October 6 highlighted coaches who guide and mentor students beyond athletic competition.
Among them is Doug Craig, head coach of the Woodson High School boys varsity basketball team. Craig was named the Virginia High School League Class 6 All-State Basketball Coach of the Year for the previous school year.
Union agreements take effect
Collective bargaining agreements between the school system and Fairfax Education Unions took effect July 1, 2025.
The agreements address competitive compensation, staff expectations, workplace conditions, planning time, employee roles, and student safety and well-being. School officials say the provisions are intended to support educators and provide students with a more consistent learning environment.
Lynbrook students get a farm-to-school lesson
A chorus of crunching apples replaced the usual classroom sounds at Lynbrook Elementary School during Virginia Farm-to-School Week.
Farmer Jim Saunders visited fourth graders and explained how apples travel from blossoms on trees to school lunch trays.
Families urged to support phone-free schools
Families are being asked to reinforce the school system’s rules for cell phones and personal devices. Research cited in the announcement says a single phone notification can require students to spend 10 minutes or longer refocusing on schoolwork.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss the policy with their children, contact school offices during daytime emergencies and reserve nonurgent communication for before or after school. Families are also advised to avoid answering nonurgent student messages until classes end.
Science fair set for March
The 71st Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will run March 13-15, 2026, at Robinson Secondary School.
The public can view student projects during an open house Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Boundary review meetings begin October 13
A new round of community meetings on school boundaries will begin Monday, October 13. Twelve meetings are planned, with each session covering two school pyramids.
A consultant will present Scenario 4, the latest proposed boundary map, explain changes involving the featured pyramids and answer participants’ questions. The following sessions are scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with in-person and virtual participation available:
- Monday, October 13, at Robinson Secondary School for the Centreville and Robinson pyramids.
- Tuesday, October 14, at Herndon High School for the South Lakes and Herndon pyramids.
- Wednesday, October 15, at Langley High School for the Oakton and Langley pyramids.
- Thursday, October 16, at Falls Church High School for the Marshall and Falls Church pyramids.
- Tuesday, October 21, at Annandale High School for the Justice and Annandale pyramids.
Some meeting dates have changed, and participants must register for either the in-person or virtual format.
School facilities serve the wider community
County schools host more than 500,000 events annually and receive an estimated millions of visits from students and other community members.
The school system works with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Fairfax County Park Authority to make buildings and athletic fields available for public use outside school hours.
A 2025 bond referendum involving school facilities will appear on the ballot Tuesday, November 4.
Holidays and schedule changes. Monday, October 13, is a student holiday and staff development day marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Participating schools will provide free lunch and a snack that day to children ages 18 and younger.
On Wednesday, October 15, elementary schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield and West Potomac pyramids will dismiss students three hours early.
All schools and offices will be closed Monday, October 20, for Diwali.
School Board meeting scheduled. The School Board’s next regular business meeting is Thursday, October 9, at 7 p.m.
The agenda includes additional advisory committee appointments and the awarding of contracts.
Sexual-harassment rules reiterated. Regulation 4950 prohibits sexual harassment by employees and states that no person in the school system may be subjected to such conduct.
The prohibition covers unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that constitutes harassment.
Employees are directed to report complaints to supervisors or program managers. Students and their families should raise concerns with school principals. Anyone who does not wish to report directly to those officials may seek guidance or submit an online discrimination, bullying or harassment complaint.