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Fairfax County Public Schools closed out the 2024-25 school year with its final graduations, recognition for standout employees and students, and new data showing gains in advanced coursework and third-grade reading.
Superintendent Michelle Reid attended commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2025 at Westfield, Falls Church, West Springfield, Woodson, South Lakes, Chantilly, and Thomas Jefferson high schools. She credited teachers, administrators, support staff, and families with making the ceremonies meaningful for graduates.
The week also included a visit with Willow Springs Elementary students Luciana and Scarlett, two of only eight teams nationwide to win the 2025 ExploraVision competition. Working with fifth-grade teacher Logan Williams, the students developed Electro-Buzz, a project that uses artificial intelligence-powered drones to imitate bees and pollinate crops.
The young inventors presented their work to members of the House and Senate and to science educator Bill Nye during a Capitol Hill visit connected to the award.
FCPS Honors recognizes 12 employees
At the FCPS Honors reception and ceremony Wednesday, the school system recognized 12 employees for their work in schools and other district roles:
- Andrea Edmonson, Outstanding Elementary New Teacher
- Emmeline Andrea Mejia, Outstanding Secondary New Teacher
- Justin Simmons, Outstanding New Principal
- Liliana Alfaro, Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
- Daniel Matheney, Outstanding Nonschool-Based Operational Employee
- Raquel Joyner, Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee
- Deborah March, Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee
- Dominic Williams, Outstanding School-Based Leader
- Jay Nocco, Outstanding Nonschool-Based Leader
- Jason Ericson, Outstanding Elementary Teacher
- Andrew Sharrock, Outstanding Secondary Teacher
- Georgina Aye, Outstanding Principal
The recognition aligns with the workforce pillar of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which calls for a diverse, adaptable, and supported staff.
Reid also attended the Fairfax County Retired Educators Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday. There, she met scholarship recipient Diana, who plans to return to FCPS as a teacher.
Schools celebrated for spring championships
During Thursday’s School Board meeting, FCPS recognized schools that captured spring championships in sports and activities:
- Chantilly High School, debate
- Chantilly High School, League of Legends esports
- South County High School, girls outdoor track and field
- Woodson High School, Rocket League esports
- Robinson Secondary School, Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association boys crew
- Robinson Secondary School, Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association girls crew
- Robinson Secondary School, Potomac High School Rifle League regional championship
- Robinson Secondary School, FCPS boys middle school track
- Frost Middle School, FCPS girls middle school track
Coaches, activity leaders, athletic program staff, and others who supported the students were also recognized.
Advanced-course participation climbs
The School Board received an update on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment courses, all of which can help students build college-level skills. Qualifying exam scores or course grades can also allow students to earn college credit and potentially reduce tuition costs.
FCPS reported that enrollment in advanced coursework is associated with higher rates of high school graduation, college attendance and persistence, and degree completion across demographic groups.
The number of AP and IB exams taken by FCPS students rose from 46,083 in 2022 to an estimated 56,690 this year, an increase of 23%. Pass rates have remained near 70%.
Dual Enrollment participation is growing as well. In 2022, 4,083 students took a Dual Enrollment course. As of May 29, 2025, 8,347 students had registered to take one during the next school year.
Expanding advanced-course access is part of the district strategic plan’s goals for academic growth and equitable opportunity.
Board members also heard an update on efforts to improve students’ sense of belonging. FCPS said students who feel accepted, respected, included, and supported are more likely to attend regularly, earn higher grades, demonstrate academic confidence, and finish high school.
Schools are working toward that goal through class-opening routines that build community, activities that develop social-emotional skills, and class closings that reinforce accomplishments and key lessons. Elementary schools use Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, while middle and high schools hold Responsive Advisory Meetings.
Third-grade reading improves
Spring iReady results showed that 20% more FCPS third graders were reading on grade level than in the fall. Results improved in every measured domain, with the largest gains recorded in vocabulary and comprehension.
The district connected the progress to staff training and the rollout of Benchmark Advance, its new language arts curriculum. Reading on grade level by the end of third grade is one of the measures included in the academic growth goal of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
FCPS also concluded its Advancing Literacy series for the school year, highlighting employees involved in literacy training and classroom implementation.
Elsewhere during the week, Reid attended a Public School Leaders Network legislative breakfast Friday. Participants discussed federal and state funding concerns involving Title I, school meals, and support provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Medicaid.
Reid and elected School Board members later attended the Advisory Committee Annual Report Summit at the Gatehouse Administration Center on Saturday to hear recommendations from committees supporting the district’s strategic plan.
With the school year ending and the summer solstice approaching June 20, Reid thanked employees across the district for their work on graduations, employee recognition, literacy instruction, and other year-end activities.