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Fairfax County Public Schools is closing out 2025 with full accreditation, major budget decisions approaching and winter break set to begin Monday, December 22.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid thanked the community for helping FCPS maintain full accreditation while emphasizing that continued academic success depends on adequate funding. FCPS says outdated Virginia funding formulas are creating financial challenges for school divisions across the state.
Several important budget dates are approaching. Virginia’s governor is scheduled to introduce the fiscal year 2026 state budget on Thursday, December 18. Virtual regional public hearings on the proposed 2026-28 biennial budget will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 7. Reid will present her proposed FCPS budget to the School Board on Thursday, January 22.
Residents are being encouraged to follow the process and share their views about public education funding.
Winter break and literacy resources
Winter break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Classes resume Monday, January 5.
FCPS has asked teachers not to assign homework during the break. Long-range projects may be assigned beforehand, but no work should be due immediately after students return.
Families can help children retain reading, writing and speaking skills through brief daily literacy activities. Winter resources are also available for academic and mental health support, along with help related to food, clothing, housing and other needs.
Three Kings Day/Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6, and Orthodox Christmas on Wednesday, January 7, are designated religious and cultural observance days. Schools will remain open, but events that cannot be made up will not be scheduled on those dates.
Boundary recommendations head to the board
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its final meeting Friday, December 12.
Reid is scheduled to present her recommendations for proposed boundary changes to the School Board on Thursday, January 8. A public hearing is planned for Saturday, January 10, followed by a board vote Thursday, January 22.
Boundaries for the new high school in western Fairfax County are expected to be determined by early June.
The School Board will also meet Thursday, December 18. A public hearing on naming the new western high school begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by the regular business meeting at 7 p.m. The agenda includes the Strategic Plan Goal 5 report, the fiscal year 2026 midyear review and a boundary phasing decision.
Medical sciences programs receive $200,000
Falls Church Academy’s Health and Medical Science Program received a $200,000 gift from the Claude Moore Scholars Foundation.
Since 2016, the foundation’s partnership has invested more than $2.19 million in FCPS health and medical sciences programs, supporting Career and Technical Education pathways throughout Fairfax County.
High school academies operate within existing schools and provide advanced technical and specialized courses combining career preparation with academics. Students preparing to select next year’s courses can also consider other FCPS academies and specialized programs.
Elementary students explore artificial intelligence
Vienna Elementary School has converted part of its library into the Vienna.i.Lab, a space where students can explore how artificial intelligence works.
The project is intended to help students understand emerging technology as AI increasingly affects education and the workplace.
Elsewhere in FCPS, Hayfield Secondary School AP Japanese students participated in the national J.LIVE Talk competition in November. The TED Talk-style event requires students to present complex subjects entirely in Japanese.
Student arts programs also remain active. Herndon High School staged “Arsenic and Old Lace,” with a review written by Westfield High School student Mary Campbell through the Cappies program. Cappies participants receive training as critics, attend productions at other schools and write reviews for publication.
January programs offer help for families
The Family Academy will offer January webinars, workshops and programs for parents and guardians. Scheduled topics include co-parenting in English and Spanish, navigating the digital world as a family, Loving Solutions, Parent Project, Sibshops and SibTeens.
Family Resource Center webinars will address planning for children with special needs, traumatic stress, motivation and ways to reduce parental stress and anxiety.
Parks and libraries expand winter options
The Fairfax County Park Authority is offering more than 50 holiday-themed events and activities, including wagon and train rides and candlelit tours.
Fairfax County Public Library cardholders can also borrow more than books. Its Library of Things includes Chromebooks, internet hotspots, artwork, binoculars, games, energy-conservation kits, early-literacy tablets, nature backpacks and thermal cameras.
Family History Kits provide a voice recorder, instructions and interview prompts in English, Spanish and Korean for residents interested in preserving family stories.
Service animals allowed in FCPS facilities
Service animals are permitted in public areas of FCPS buildings under federal and state law. They must be individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to a person’s disability and are not considered pets.
Therapy animals generally do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted.
Staff members, parents and community members seeking ongoing use of a service animal must coordinate with the Office of Employee Relations. Student arrangements should be made through the Due Process and Eligibility section of the Office of Special Education Procedural Support at 571-423-4290. General questions may be directed to the Office of Employee Relations at 571-423-3070.