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Fairfax County Public Schools has revised its 2026-27 calendar, adding Veterans Day as a regular instructional day and moving the final day for students to Wednesday, June 16, 2027.
The change does not affect the current school year, which will still end Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Election Day Closures and Calendar Changes
Students will not have school Tuesday, April 21, because of Virginia’s statewide election. Athletic practices, activities, and other events may continue as scheduled.
Participating schools will provide free lunch and a snack to children 18 and younger that day. Meals must be eaten on site.
Elementary students will attend full instructional days and leave at their regular dismissal times on April 22 and April 29. Both dates were previously scheduled as early-release Wednesdays. FCPS said the adjustment preserves instructional time while allowing staff planning, collaboration, and professional learning to continue.
Thursday, April 16, is Theravada New Year, which FCPS recognizes as a religious and cultural observance day. Classes will meet, but schools will not schedule mandatory tests, field trips, or major events.
Dunn Loring Services Moving to Pimmit Hills
Family support services at the Dunn Loring Center will permanently relocate as the building undergoes renovations and returns to use as a school.
The Family Resource Center will close May 4. Student registration appointments will end May 8, followed by early-childhood testing appointments on May 15. All affected services are scheduled to reopen at the Pimmit Hills Center on June 1.
Holmes Teacher Takes Cursive Club to National Television
Sherisse Kenerson, a multilingual learner specialist at Holmes Middle School, appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on April 14.
Kenerson advises the school’s after-school Cursive Club, which has also attracted attention from The Washington Post and NPR during the school year. The club introduces cursive handwriting to a new generation of students.
Students Earn Statewide Music Honors
FCPS reported that 217 high school students were selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event. Another 56 students earned places in the 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus event.
The division also recognized military-connected students and families by wearing purple. FCPS supports those families through school programs and its network of Purple Star schools.
Community Meetings and Family Events
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will hold Community Conversations from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 at Ravensworth Elementary School, April 20 at Westgate Elementary School, and April 22 at Crestwood Elementary School.
The meetings are open to everyone. Registration is optional but assists organizers with child care and interpretation arrangements.
More than 500 families and community members are expected at the 2026 Special Education Family Conference on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. Registration can also be used to request accommodations, including language interpretation.
Families can attend an interactive digital-safety workshop at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the Mason District Government Center. The session will examine popular apps and social platforms, conversations about online safety, and healthy technology habits.
A webinar for families of rising middle school students is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. It will focus on staying involved in students’ learning and maintaining family-school partnerships during secondary education.
Spring Testing Approaches
Students will soon take spring assessments based on their grades and courses, including Standards of Learning and Measures of Academic Progress tests. Individual schools will notify families of their testing schedules.
Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOL exams. FCPS cautioned that lower participation can affect accreditation, accountability ratings, and the accuracy of student-progress measurements.
Families are encouraged to ensure students attend on testing days, sleep well, eat breakfast, and follow the division’s cellphone rules. Parents and caregivers should alert their school promptly about scheduling conflicts.
FCPS also said nearly half of its fifth- through ninth-grade students pass a math SOL above their enrolled grade level.
County Budget Feedback Sought
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which is considering changes to its advertised fiscal 2027 budget before adoption in May.
Residents may comment during a public hearing at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in the Government Center Board Auditorium. Advance registration is available for those who want to speak.
Developmental Services Available for Young Children
Families concerned about a young child’s communication, motor development, self-help abilities, problem-solving, or attention can seek evaluations and support.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia serves children from birth through 36 months who have developmental delays or medical conditions that could affect development. Families can call 703-246-7121.
Early Childhood Child Find identifies possible special-education needs among children ages 20 months through 5 years, although children must turn 2 by September 30, 2026. FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services provides a free referral process and services for children found eligible. Questions can be directed to 571-423-4121.
Employees Recognized for Supporting Students
Chanel Favors, an instructional coach at Bucknell Elementary School, was among the February FCPS CARES of the Month recipients. Favors organized a career day where professionals discussed their work as well as perseverance, education, and self-belief.
Other honorees included Dave Martinez of Merrifield Support Center; Carlos D’Alvano and Cynthia Stowers of South Lakes High School; Veronica Perez of Belvedere Elementary School; Karen Bernat of Centreville Elementary School; Von-Michael Corpuz of Chantilly High School; and Mallorie Joyner of Lewis High School.
During spring break, the Spring Sprouts program also provided small-group math and literacy instruction at several elementary schools.
FCPS separately highlighted its English Language Development curriculum for multilingual learners, saying the program is designed to strengthen academic skills and student confidence.
Drug Safety and Firearm-Risk Resources
Families are being encouraged to talk with teenagers about fentanyl, overdoses, warning signs, and how to respond.
National Drug Take Back Day will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Residents can bring unused prescription medications to participating collection sites for monitored disposal, helping prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental harm.
Virginia’s Emergency Substantial Risk Orders law can prevent people considered a danger to themselves or others from buying, possessing, or transporting firearms. Fairfax County residents seeking an order can call the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Anyone facing an immediate threat should call or text 911.