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Fairfax County Public Schools’ Class of 2025 earned an average SAT score of 1183, outperforming Virginia’s average of 1112 and the global average of 1029.
Students also exceeded state and worldwide averages on both sections of the exam, with an average of 596 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 587 in Mathematics. The higher performance extended across every reported student group.
Weekly online activity reports begin
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 12, parents and guardians with access to student records through SIS ParentVUE will automatically receive weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Reports.
The emailed reports will summarize websites visited on FCPS devices during the previous week. Each message will also include registration access for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, where families can see more detailed browsing information and pause internet service on a student’s FCPS laptop outside school hours, including during dinner or bedtime.
Girls flag football gets a Commanders-backed kickoff
Superintendent Michelle Reid attended the first of two uniform-reveal events at Westfield High School for the district’s new girls flag football program. The Washington Commanders are sponsoring the program.
College planning events approach
The annual FCPS College Fair is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena. About 200 institutions are expected, including two-year and four-year colleges and U.S. service academies.
A virtual postsecondary night will follow Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Family Resource Center will also hold a college-preparation webinar Friday, Oct. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Families of eighth graders and high school students can attend to learn what students should do during each year of high school to strengthen college applications.
Students and teachers earn recognition
Members of the West Potomac High School dance team are mentoring local students with Down syndrome through Purple Tutus. The high school dancers teach ballet while developing leadership skills, and the younger participants build confidence as they prepare for two annual showcases.
Marshall Academy automotive instructor Rebecca Fenton won a 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The honor includes $50,000 for Marshall Academy. Fenton is the only woman teaching automotive courses in the school division.
Woodson High School boys varsity basketball coach Doug Craig was also highlighted around National Coaches Day on Oct. 6. Craig was named the Virginia High School League Class 6 All-State Basketball Coach of the Year for the previous school year.
At Lynbrook Elementary School, fourth graders marked Virginia Farm-to-School Week with a visit from farmer Jim Saunders. He brought apples and explained their journey from blossoms on trees to students’ lunch trays.
Labor agreements and phone rules take focus
Collective bargaining agreements between the school system and Fairfax Education Unions took effect July 1, 2025. The agreements address compensation, workplace expectations, planning time, staff responsibilities, safety and working conditions.
Families are also being asked to help reinforce the district’s cellphone and personal-device policy. The school system advises parents to contact the front office during emergencies, handle nonurgent communication outside school hours and avoid replying to routine student messages until the school day ends.
Boundary review meetings begin Oct. 13
A series of 12 community meetings about school boundaries will begin Monday, Oct. 13. Each session will cover two school pyramids, with a consultant presenting the latest draft boundary map, known as Scenario 4, and explaining changes affecting those communities. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions.
The announced meetings, all scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with in-person and virtual participation, include:
- Monday, Oct. 13, at Robinson Secondary School for the Centreville and Robinson pyramids.
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Herndon High School for the South Lakes and Herndon pyramids.
- Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Langley High School for the Oakton and Langley pyramids.
- Thursday, Oct. 16, at Falls Church High School for the Marshall and Falls Church pyramids.
- Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Annandale High School for the Justice and Annandale pyramids.
Some meeting dates have changed, and registration is required for either attendance format.
Science fair and community facilities
The 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will run March 13-15, 2026, at Robinson Secondary School. The public may view student projects during an open house Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
School buildings and athletic fields also host community activities after classes end. The district estimates that more than 500,000 events produce millions of visits to its facilities each year. It works with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Fairfax County Park Authority to make those spaces available to the public.
A 2025 bond referendum will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 4, ballot.
October calendar changes
Monday, Oct. 13, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Participating schools will offer free lunch and a snack that day to children 18 and younger.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, elementary schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield and West Potomac pyramids will dismiss three hours early.
All schools and offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 20, for Diwali.
The School Board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. Its agenda includes additional advisory committee appointments and the awarding of contracts.
Sexual-harassment reporting rules reiterated
Regulation 4950 prohibits sexual harassment by employees, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that constitutes harassment.
Employees should report complaints to a supervisor or program manager. Students and their parents or caregivers should contact the school principal. Anyone who does not wish to raise a concern through those channels may seek consultation or submit an online discrimination, bullying or harassment complaint.