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Fairfax County Public Schools reported substantial gains in elementary writing achievement as the division entered March with a full calendar of community meetings, student showcases, cultural celebrations and budget discussions.
At a recent School Board meeting, Superintendent Michelle Reid presented results from the Benchmark Advance K-6 Writing Curriculum. Teachers and administrators said students are producing longer, clearer and better-organized work while showing greater confidence and independence.
Third-grade performance on quarterly writing assessments climbed from 52% in fall 2024 to 69% in fall 2025, a 17-point increase. Fourth-grade results rose from 57% to 78%, a gain of 21 points, while fifth grade recorded a 23% improvement in the share of students meeting end-of-year writing expectations.
Across kindergarten through fifth grade, early-year data also showed a 23% increase in students performing at intermediate or advanced levels in spelling, grammar, sentence structure and other foundational writing skills.
The division highlighted writing’s importance beyond the classroom, citing surveys in which 67% of salaried employees had writing as a job requirement and 91% of employers considered writing proficiency during hiring.
Budget and public conversations
The School Board adopted FCPS’ fiscal year 2027 advertised budget. The needs-based proposal prioritizes competitive employee compensation, collective-bargaining adjustments and goals in the division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Residents can also comment on Fairfax County’s fiscal year 2027 budget during town halls scheduled from March 2 through April 10 and public hearings planned for April 14-16.
Reid is holding separate conversations with employees and the broader community throughout the spring.
Employee sessions are scheduled for:
- March 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Centreville Elementary School.
- March 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Lemon Road Elementary School.
- March 25 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School.
- April 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Wolftrap Elementary School.
Community conversations will generally run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- March 3 at Waples Mill Elementary School.
- 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.
The schedule follows Public Schools Week, when FCPS highlighted initiatives including expanded access to Algebra I and the addition of five athletic programs.
Students explore engineering, food and leadership
Thirty-four students and five chaperones from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology attended the Black Engineer of the Year Awards conference in Baltimore. Students heard two keynote speakers and joined a two-hour speed-mentoring session with four military STEM professionals, learning about their education and career paths.
At Lorton Station Elementary School’s SPARK Expo science and engineering fair, students displayed projects built through inquiry and collaboration. Kindergartners compared the absorbency and strength of paper towel brands, while other students tested the electrical current generated by produce and found dragon fruit outperformed sweet potatoes. Another presentation examined connections between the work of Newton and Einstein on general relativity.
Hayfield Secondary School hosted the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, where students presented recipes and worked with culinary professionals from across the region. The program gives students a role in proposing healthy meals they would like served in school cafeterias.
Sidney Ide, who won the challenge with her Herndon High School teammates in 2025, returned this year as a judge. Real Food for Kids Executive Director Bonnie Moore said the competition allows students to collaborate with school districts and influence cafeteria menus while learning that nutritious food can also be appealing.
FCPS also continued developing future school leaders through an Aspiring Principals Academy gathering at the Gatehouse Administration Center.
Civil rights and Black history take center stage
Civil rights and labor leader Dolores Huerta visited John R. Lewis High School on Feb. 24. Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers, organized farmworkers, led major boycotts and advocated for civil rights, women’s rights and immigrant justice. She also helped popularize the rallying cry “Sí, se puede.”
Reid connected Huerta’s work with the legacy of the school’s namesake, John R. Lewis, and praised students undertaking service projects and speaking up for their beliefs.
The following evening, C.G. Woodson High School hosted the second annual FCPS Black History Month Celebration, “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence.”
The event marked 100 years since Carter G. Woodson, the school’s namesake, established Negro History Week in 1926. Student-led “Moments of Pride” recognized figures including Misty Copeland, Madam C.J. Walker and Bayard Rustin. The Rev. Vernon Walton of First Baptist Church of Vienna delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of recognizing every person’s story.
West Potomac High School also held its 15th annual Soul Food Luncheon, bringing students and staff together around culinary traditions during Black History Month.
Hundreds of young artists recognized
FCPS celebrated student artists at two major events during the week.
Three hundred works were displayed at the Artifax awards ceremony at the Ernst Cultural Community Center. Awards recognized thematic concepts, creative processes, artistry, reflective voice and cultural context.
Lake Braddock Secondary School later hosted the Fairfax County Council of PTAs Reflections Awards, honoring 105 students. Participants created work in dance, film, literature, music, photography and visual arts.
The week also included playoff basketball at Centreville High School. Centreville’s girls faced Yorktown, while the boys’ game against Langley remained close through the finish.