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Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to prepare for required safety drills, reinforce classroom cell phone rules and build strong attendance habits as the 2025-26 school year gets underway.
Schools maintain emergency plans for incidents including fires and tornadoes. Virginia law requires them to conduct emergency exercises, including lockdown drills, every year.
The first lockdown drill must occur within the opening 20 days of school. Parents and caregivers must receive at least 24 hours’ notice, although schools do not have to disclose the drill’s exact date and time. Preschool and kindergarten students are excluded from the first lockdown exercise.
Families are encouraged to explain why emergency preparation matters and talk with children about their experiences afterward.
FCPS also uses several terms to direct students and employees during safety situations, including “lockdown,” “secure the building” and “stay put, stay tuned.” Families and students should understand how each direction affects school operations.
Safety concerns may be reported anonymously online, by texting “TIP FCPS” to 888-777 or by calling 571-423-2020. Emergencies requiring immediate help should be reported to 911.
The tip line accepts reports involving threats, weapons, dangerous conditions, illegal drug activity, theft, gangs, vandalism and student wellness. Students, employees, families and other community members may submit information anonymously or identify themselves.
Questions about programs, rules or policies that do not involve school safety should instead be directed to the FCPS ombuds at 571-423-4014 or [email protected].
Immunization Deadline Approaches
Virginia students must receive certain immunizations before attending school. Beginning Tuesday, November 18, students without proof of the required vaccinations may be barred from attending.
Families should review each child’s immunization status for the 2025-26 school year and submit updated documentation when needed. Vaccinations are available through health care providers and Fairfax County Health Department child immunization clinics.
Phones Expected to Stay Off
FCPS is asking parents and caregivers to support its cell phone policy by avoiding nonurgent calls and texts to children during the school day. Families who need to reach a student in an emergency should contact the school’s front office.
Cell phone use requirements vary by grade level.
Summer Algebra Program Supports Eighth-Grade Goal
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recently highlighted Algebra Power Up, a three-week summer program for students in grades 7 and 8.
The program was designed to strengthen foundational math and algebra skills and prepare participants for Algebra 1. It supports the division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan goal of having every student successfully complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
About 75% of FCPS eighth graders are currently enrolled in Algebra 1 or a more advanced course. The broader strategic plan includes five divisionwide goals, with its third goal focused on academic growth and excellence.
Attendance Campaign Promotes Daily Routines
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and families are being encouraged to establish routines that help children arrive at school on time each day.
Suggested steps include maintaining consistent bedtimes and morning schedules, setting out clothes and packing backpacks the night before, and arranging backup transportation with a relative, neighbor or another parent.
When children feel anxious about school, families can seek help from teachers, counselors and other parents. Medical appointments and extended trips should be scheduled outside school hours whenever possible.
Adult Education Program Seeks Instructors
FCPS Adult and Community Education is recruiting instructors with expertise in apprenticeships, trades, industry, health and medical business, computers, world languages, cooking, crafts, English for speakers of other languages, STEM, test preparation and career exploration.
Qualified instructors are paid to share their expertise and help participants develop new skills. Application questions may be sent to [email protected].
Special Election Closes Schools September 9
All FCPS schools will be closed Tuesday, September 9, 2025, for the special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin selected that date for the election. Because more than half of FCPS schools serve as polling places, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked the school division to consider closing for the day. Some school sites will still provide meals for children.
Elementary schools in the Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss students three hours early Wednesday, September 10.
Students Encouraged to Serve on September 11
FCPS will observe the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also known as Patriot Day, by recognizing those killed or injured in the 2001 terrorist attacks, the heroism of first responders and the country’s resilience.
Students are encouraged to take part in service learning that supports social and emotional skills and the division’s Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Middle and high school students can find service opportunities through x2VOL in their Naviance accounts.