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Fairfax County public school students will not have classes Tuesday, April 21, because of Virginia’s statewide election.
Student activities, athletic practices, and other events may continue as scheduled. School leaders may change start times or entrances to keep student activity areas separate from polling locations. The school division will still exceed Virginia’s required instructional hours. Teachers and staff received additional details by email March 11.
County Budget and Family Feedback
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which provides about 70% of the school division’s budget, is reviewing the advertised fiscal year 2027 county budget. Possible changes remain under consideration before its scheduled adoption in May, and residents may provide feedback through a county survey.
The FCPS Family Engagement Survey remains open through Monday, March 23. It covers school climate, communication, student success, advocacy, family-school relationships, and community partnerships.
Parents and caregivers were emailed a survey link March 9. Copies are also available online and on paper at every school. The survey is offered in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will also hold spring Community Conversations, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and offer feedback. Sessions are scheduled for:
- March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
- March 23 at Ravensworth Elementary School.
- April 13 at Belle View Elementary School.
- April 20 at Westgate Elementary School.
- April 22 at Crestwood Elementary School.
All sessions except the March 17 event are scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The events are open to everyone. Registration is optional but helps organizers plan for child care and interpretation.
Students and Teachers Earn Recognition
Eighty FCPS students are among the approximately 5,000 candidates nationwide for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars honor. The Fairfax students account for more than 38% of Virginia’s candidates.
Another 37 students from 28 Fairfax County public schools received the 2026 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, which recognize young people working as peacemakers.
Four FCPS middle and high school teachers will receive grants from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. The awards support classroom projects involving music, dance, and theater across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
One recipient is Glasgow Middle School band teacher Andrew Sharrock, who was named Outstanding Secondary School Teacher during last year’s FCPS Honors celebration.
Chesterbrook Elementary School music teacher Brandon Morris, a finalist for Outstanding Elementary New Teacher, is also featured in a video explaining the connection between Georg Frideric Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” and a well-known soccer anthem.
Student Programs Mix Service, Literacy and Public Speaking
Marketing students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program will open their annual Prom Dress Shop at Centreville High on Friday, March 13. Students facing financial challenges throughout the greater Washington region can receive free prom clothing and accessories.
Herndon High School boys basketball players are visiting Herndon Elementary School each week to read with younger students. The Readers Are Leaders initiative is intended to improve literacy while building relationships across age groups.
At Kent Gardens Elementary School, 30 students meet before school several times each month to practice presentations and receive feedback as they develop their own TED-style talks. Their subjects include sports injuries, mobile gaming, and mental health.
Families Encouraged to Support Phone-Free Schools
Families are being asked to reinforce the school division’s cellphone rules. Research cited by the division indicates that students can take at least 10 minutes to refocus after a single phone notification.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review the policy with their children, contact the school office during emergencies, and save nonurgent calls and messages for before or after school.
The FCPS Family Academy will offer April programs covering co-parenting in Spanish, family life in the digital world, student career pathways, orientation for military families, and support for siblings of students with additional needs. Other webinars will address organizational skills and literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities.
March Closures and Community Events
Thursday, March 19, is an evening-only observance day for Eid al-Fitr, beginning at sundown. Schools and offices will be closed Friday, March 20, for the Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz holiday.
The 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will run March 13-15 at Robinson Secondary School. The public may view student projects Sunday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
FCPS Adult and Community Education will hold a March Madness sale from March 14 through March 16. Buyers who purchase at least two classes can receive tuition discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.
Sleep Awareness Week runs March 8-14, highlighting connections between sleep and physical and mental health.
Virginia Seeks Public Input on Schools and Arts Standards
The Virginia Department of Education is collecting residents’ views about successful public schools and the barriers preventing students from thriving. That survey closes Friday, April 10.
The state is also reviewing and revising its K-12 Fine Arts Standards of Learning, with completion expected by June 2027. Teachers, students, families, administrators, curriculum supervisors, arts educators, and others may comment on the standards for visual arts, music, theater, and dance through Monday, March 30.