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Fairfax County Public Schools students earned hundreds of regional art honors as the school division also warned families about high flu activity, upcoming academic reviews and several important February and March events.
Students Collect 809 Art Awards
Students in grades 7-12 received 809 honors in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program. The total includes 210 Gold Key awards, 235 Silver Key awards and 364 Honorable Mentions.
Health Officials Warn of High Flu Activity
Fairfax County is experiencing high levels of influenza illness, with growing numbers of flu-like cases at emergency departments and urgent care centers. The increase has been particularly noticeable among children, and multiple outbreaks have occurred in schools and elsewhere in the community.
Residents are encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes, wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Alcohol-based sanitizer can be used when soap and water are unavailable, with supervision for younger children.
People who must be near others while ill can wear masks to reduce transmission. Those who are sick should remain home until their symptoms improve and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Students Send Handmade Valentines
Students at Waynewood Elementary School made Valentine’s Day cards on January 24 for people who are seriously ill, homebound or living in long-term care facilities. The project was organized through a partnership with Valentines by Kids.
Students in Chantilly Academy’s medical assistant class also created cards for adults and children facing serious health challenges.
FCPS Plans Career Fair for Public-Sector Workers
A job and career information fair will be held Wednesday, February 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for professionals interested in moving from federal or state government work into public education.
Available careers include teaching and operational positions in finance, human resources, safety and security, food service, transportation and facilities. People with bachelor’s degrees may be able to obtain provisional teaching licenses within a few weeks.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to open the session. Chief Human Resources Officer William Solomon and other human resources leaders will discuss job openings, salaries, benefits and retirement plans. Registration and location details were expected to be announced later.
Kindergarten Registration Gets Underway
Kindergarten registration and orientation events generally take place from January through April, although eligible children may also be registered during the summer.
Early registration helps schools estimate staffing and resource needs before classes begin. Families should first determine which school their child will attend, then collect the required documents and complete the necessary forms. Registration assistance is available in multiple languages.
Career and Technical Education Takes the Spotlight
February is Career and Technical Education Month. CTE courses give students experience with the technical side of numerous occupations while preparing them for college or entry-level work.
Six FCPS high schools have academies offering advanced technical and specialized courses that combine career preparation with academics. Cassandra Deedy, a counselor at Edison Academy, helps students, families and high school counselors understand those programs and their options.
Student Wellness Screener Returns in March
Students in grades 3-12 will take the Social and Emotional Learning Screener in March. Administered twice each year, the questionnaire asks students how well their schools and communities help them feel valued, included and supported while developing skills needed for success.
Results will appear under the Documents tab in SIS ParentVUE. Families without ParentVUE accounts will receive the results by mail. Families may review the questions and obtain information about opting out before the screening.
Stone Soup Lesson Brings Teamwork to the Table
Second graders at Cunningham Park Elementary School made Stone Soup while studying a Benchmark Advance language arts unit.
Mirroring the story of a hungry traveler, each student supplied an ingredient for the shared meal. The activity was designed to demonstrate the value of cooperation within a community.
Small FCPS Sample Complicates National Test Comparison
During the February 6 School Board meeting, Reid discussed the National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly called the Nation’s Report Card.
NAEP results show 30% to 40% of fourth graders reaching proficiency in reading and math, with fewer than 30% of eighth graders doing so. However, only 1.8% of FCPS students are included in the sample.
Standards of Learning data show about 75% of FCPS fourth graders proficient in reading and math. Among eighth graders, proficiency is approximately 76% to 79%.
Boundary Review Moves Toward Draft Scenarios
The final community meeting in Phase 1 of the comprehensive school boundary review has concluded. More than 2,500 employees, family members and other community participants provided input.
Phase 1 will continue through the spring while FCPS and its consultant analyze data, assess existing boundaries and identify themes that will help shape draft scenarios. No boundary changes have been proposed.
Draft scenarios are expected to be released for additional public feedback during Phase 2.
Budget Review Continues
More than 85% of the FCPS budget is directed to classrooms, and 92.5% of division employees are based in schools—a proportion higher than in neighboring school districts.
The School Board will hold a work session on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, February 18. The annual budget process includes opportunities for public feedback.
The board has also approved the annual update to the Capital Improvement Program, which outlines the schedules and costs of renovations, additions and new school construction. Projects may range from major building work to improvements such as the renovation of Louise Archer Elementary School’s courtyard.
Public Can Examine Proposed Math Materials
FCPS plans to introduce new secondary mathematics resources during the 2025-26 school year and new elementary resources in 2026-27.
A committee of teachers, administrators and community members will evaluate materials submitted by vendors through a competitive request for proposals. The public may also review the options and submit feedback.
Digital materials were scheduled to become available February 14. Hard copies were also set to be available beginning that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 100.
In-person review will not be offered February 25, February 27, March 11 or March 12. Public comments will be provided to the review committee and School Board before a vote anticipated in spring 2025.
Presidents Day Closure and Calendar Options. All schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 17, for Presidents Day.
Families may subscribe to division calendars through Outlook or Google Calendar. Available categories include holidays, featured events, School Board meetings, fine and performing arts programs, and religious and cultural observances.
Teen Job Fairs Begin March 8. The 2025 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series and Career Building Workshops will open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at West Springfield High School. A second event will be held during the same hours Saturday, March 15, at Chantilly High School.
The series, sponsored by Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity in collaboration with FCPS, will connect students with employers offering part-time, full-time, seasonal and volunteer opportunities. Workshops will cover subjects including résumé preparation and interviewing.
Most positions are intended for students older than 16, although some opportunities may be available to younger participants with parental consent.