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Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to complete federal aid surveys and act on several approaching deadlines as the school division celebrates student achievements, expands technology education and prepares for upcoming health clinics and schedule changes.
Families should complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey through the Online Packets section of SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Schools will distribute paper forms to families who do not submit the survey online. Parents who have not activated ParentVUE may register for an account.
Students earn academic and musical honors
During the 2024-25 school year, 187 FCPS students earned the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma, while another 22 received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
The AP Capstone program allows students to investigate subjects of personal interest while demonstrating research, critical-thinking and presentation skills. Access to rigorous coursework is included in Goal 4 of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focuses on equitable access and opportunity.
Another 39 students from 18 FCPS high schools and two elementary schools were selected for statewide music groups. They earned positions in the 2025 All-Virginia Orff Ensemble, All-Virginia Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble, and Virginia Music Education Association Senior Honors Choir.
The students advanced through a competitive audition process and will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and other musicians from across Virginia.
FCPS considers how AI will reshape learning
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid addressed artificial intelligence following discussions at the “Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI and The Future of Learning” event.
Reid said schools face a pivotal choice between actively shaping AI’s future and allowing the technology to shape them. She also cited rapid changes in employment, including declining entry-level opportunities in some white-collar fields and projections that nearly 40% of workplace skills will change by 2030.
Free student immunization clinics scheduled
FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance will offer required school immunizations and optional flu shots to FCPS students at no cost.
Clinics are scheduled for Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Frost Middle School and Tuesday, November 18, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center.
Participation is voluntary, and a parent or guardian may schedule an appointment. Additional clinic dates are expected during the school year.
New Bucknell technology lab welcomes young learners
The Bucknell STEAM Innovation Lab has opened at Bucknell Elementary School through a partnership with Virginia Tech.
The hands-on learning space will introduce thousands of FCPS students, including children as young as kindergarten, to engineering and technology. Activities are designed to encourage students to explore how things work and consider how they might use technology to affect the world around them.
Science fair seeks more than 250 judges
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair is seeking volunteers for its Saturday, March 14 event at Robinson Secondary School.
More than 250 judges are needed to evaluate projects in fields ranging from plant science to engineering technology. Volunteers should have an advanced degree or substantial academic or professional experience in their chosen category, though all interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and family friends may not judge a category containing a project by their child, student or family friend’s child.
Thomas Jefferson application deadline approaches
Eighth graders interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology had to begin their applications by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12.
Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. The school is intended for students with strong interest and ability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Student critics spotlight Hayfield production
Hayfield Secondary School staged an energetic and emotional production of “American Idiot,” reviewed by South Lakes High School student Lana Vittor.
The review was produced through the Washington-area Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, known as the Cappies. The program trains high school theater and journalism students to attend productions at other schools and write reviews for publication.
Families reminded that absences add up
FCPS is encouraging families to establish consistent attendance habits by arranging travel for weekends or school holidays and scheduling appointments outside school hours when possible.
A student who misses 10% of the school year—about two days each month—is considered chronically absent. Families must notify their school when a student is absent because of illness or an appointment.
Boundary feedback closes November 14
The School Board reviewed the comprehensive boundary process and plans for the new western high school during a November 12 work session.
Public comments on draft boundary map Scenario 4 may be submitted through the Boundary Explorer Tool until Friday, November 14. The feedback will go to the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee as it prepares a recommendation for Reid. Families may also contact their pyramid representatives on the committee.
The School Board’s regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 7 p.m. Agenda items include a public hearing on the new western high school’s name, programming for the school and the awarding of contracts.
Early release and Thanksgiving closures ahead
Elementary schools in 13 pyramids will dismiss students three hours early on Wednesday, November 19. The affected pyramids are Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield and West Potomac.
Schools and offices will be closed from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving. Classes resume Monday, December 1.
Virginia career and college data available
Virginia students and families can review information about high-demand professions, degree programs, earning potential and educational requirements.
The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service compiled the 2024-25 data with the Virginia Department of Education. The findings draw from federal occupational employment and educational attainment statistics and longitudinal wage information from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Additional state resources cover Virginia colleges and universities, employment projections, college preparation, applications, financial aid and postsecondary opportunities for high school students.
FCPS also reiterated its policy prohibiting discrimination in division-sponsored educational programs and activities. Protected categories include race, sex, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy and related medical conditions, marital or veteran status, and disability. Retaliation against people who report discrimination or harassment, or participate in an investigation, is also prohibited.
Career pathways offered through FCPS include business and information technology, family and consumer science, health and medical studies, JROTC, marketing, technology and engineering education, and trade and industry programs.