Article Text
Fairfax County Public Schools entered summer with new athletic honors, a celebrated Olympian’s return to his former elementary school and key decisions approaching in the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids boundary study.
The spring 2026 Virginia High School League season ended with five FCPS teams and 15 individual athletes winning Class 6 championships. Another five teams and 13 individuals finished as state runners-up.
Robinson Secondary School’s Peyton Larsen was named the VHSL Class 6 Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.
Seven FCPS athletes earned first-team Boys Lacrosse All-State recognition: Dylan Carbaugh and Thomas Agents of Robinson Secondary School; Nico Williamson, Brendan Levay and Rocco Penna of Madison High School; Cole Samburg of Langley High School; and Larsen.
Second-team selections included Graydon Byrne and Cooper Williams of Madison; Mathes Hamby of Chantilly High School; Sean Kovalsky and Keyden Hopper of West Potomac High School; Brady Hanson of Fairfax High School; and Nathan Frazer of Robinson.
Olympic champion returns to Westbriar
Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion figure skater Ilia Malinin visited Westbriar Elementary School, where he was once a student.
Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” spoke about his childhood at Westbriar, competing at the highest level of figure skating and persevering through setbacks. He encouraged students to pursue ambitious goals, accept challenges and continue learning from failure.
He also recalled everyday parts of his school years, including playing soccer at recess, reading and enjoying video games. His visit emphasized the perseverance and diligence included in FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate framework.
Schools recognized for restorative practices
FCPS held its first Equity and Student Conduct Awards Ceremony at Willow Oaks, honoring staff members, teams and schools working to create safe, supportive and equitable learning environments.
The event recognized participants in the School Discipline Consortium, Restorative Schools Project and Restorative Justice Pathway initiatives. These programs use practices centered on accountability, empathy, relationships and repairing harm, with the aim of reducing discipline disparities and giving students consistent support.
The work aligns with the second goal of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which calls for students to feel safe, supported, included and empowered.
Superintendent Michelle Reid also attended Centreville Elementary School’s sixth-grade promotion ceremony at Centreville High School. The event drew a standing-room-only audience.
Boundary decision approaches
FCPS held its final community meeting on the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study. A consultant reviewed the process and public feedback, presented the final draft map, answered questions and led breakout discussions.
A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Luther Jackson Middle School. Reid plans to present her final boundary recommendation to the School Board on Thursday, July 16.
The board is expected to consider and act on the proposal at that meeting. Approved boundary changes would take effect during the 2027-28 school year.
Reid also joined a Fairfax County Council for Economic Opportunity meeting at the Fairfax County Government Center with members of the Board of Supervisors and local business leaders.
Student well-being and specialized support
At Gallup headquarters in Washington, D.C., Reid attended the Cook Center’s inaugural National Leadership Forum on Youth Mental Health. The conference covered evidence-based approaches to student well-being, including the physical and mental-health effects of loneliness and isolation.
She later attended the American Association of School Administrators’ Summer Convening in Washington and participated in an NAACP education roundtable focused on FCPS equity commitments, strategic goals and areas needing further progress.
The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee for Twice-Exceptional Programming also completed another year of work supporting students who are both academically advanced and have disabilities or other learning needs.
The committee, composed of parents, educators and community members, met monthly as part of the FCPS Multi-Year Plan for 2e Programming. Its work included creating a guidance document for twice-exceptional services, developing a parent guide to the individualized education program process and accommodations, designing student focus-group protocols, and advising plans for summer professional development and the 2026 Special Education Family Conference.
Reid also served as a speaker and mentor at the Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Women Leaders at AASA headquarters in Alexandria. The program helps women educators build the skills, confidence and professional connections needed to pursue superintendent positions.
Programs continue during summer break
Several schools highlighted recent student programs as the academic year ended. Oakton Elementary students cared for chickens through a project called Cluckingham Palace, intended to teach empathy and stewardship.
Davis Career Center held a transition ceremony where students reflected on work experiences, friendships and personal milestones. At Haycock Elementary, fifth graders produced a video about caring and kindness while learning scripting, storyboarding, recording and multimedia editing.
FCPS is directing families to summer activities, health and safety information, and academic resources for multiple grades and subjects.
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services is also operating its 2026 Summer Meal Service at schools across Fairfax County. Breakfast and lunch are available at no cost to every child age 18 or younger.