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Fairfax County Public Schools has become the first school division in Virginia to use Rap Back, a system that continuously monitors criminal background information.
Launched July 1, the program is intended to strengthen safety for students and employees by providing ongoing checks rather than relying solely on screenings conducted at the time of hiring.
School start times under review
FCPS is considering schedule changes designed to start middle school at 8 a.m. or later. Elementary and high school hours would also need to shift to limit the project’s cost.
Since 2024, a consultant has conducted five community forums and two surveys. A new survey, open through Tuesday, September 30, asks employees, families, students, and other residents to weigh in on two options developed around student well-being, research, transportation needs, and cost.
New cafeteria meals arrive
School cafeterias are adding recipes in September and October based on student feedback.
New breakfast choices include cinnamon apple overnight oats, mini blueberry pancakes, French toast sticks, egg-and-cheese quesadillas and tacos, and turkey sausage-and-cheese bagels.
Lunch additions include veggie chili, teriyaki chicken or meatless bites, stir-fry, cheesy turkey pepperoni pasta, pasta with marinara, deep-dish pizza, and cheesy fiesta nachos. Availability varies by school.
Driver education enrollment opens
FCPS Adult and Community Education offers teen driving courses with certified instructors at local high schools. Programs include behind-the-wheel training, Partners for Safe Teen Driving, DMV permit testing, learner’s permit preparation, and summer classroom driver education.
Registration is encouraged before spaces fill. Families may call 703-658-1201 for details.
Student conduct form due September 30
Parents and caregivers must sign and return the Student Rights and Responsibilities document by Tuesday, September 30. The document describes expectations for student conduct and how adults respond to behavior.
SIS ParentVUE users will receive a prompt to sign electronically. A printable copy and signature sheet are also available.
Counselor recognized for supporting student
Longfellow Middle School counselor Julienne Ricker was among the June FCPS CARES of the Month honorees. A parent said Ricker helped their child feel heard and cared for while the family navigated a difficult situation.
Other recipients were James Patterson, Kevin Vo, and Duy Nhan Nguyen of the Sideburn Support Center; Katy Carlson of Forestville Elementary School; Kristin Bosley of Riverside Elementary School; Lauren Chunn of Orange Hunt Elementary School; Ashley Mies of Johnson Middle School; and Heather Simpson of Saratoga Elementary School.
Free virtual therapy available
High school students can receive virtual mental health care at no cost through a partnership with Hazel Health. Licensed therapists trained in challenges affecting teenagers provide weekly video sessions.
A guardian or designated staff member may refer a student. Therapists can continue working with participants until they reach their goals or help families connect with longer-term community care.
FCPS is also urging parents and caregivers to hold brief, direct conversations with teenagers about fentanyl and other difficult subjects, noting that the drug poses a threat both nationally and in Fairfax County.
Boundary review meetings continue
Five community meetings will provide updates on the comprehensive boundary review, explain how public comments are affecting the process, and outline upcoming steps. Attendees may also complete the school start-times survey.
The meeting schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, September 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at South County High School, focusing on the South County and Hayfield pyramids.
- Friday, September 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodson High School, focusing on Woodson and Fairfax.
- Saturday, September 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Marshall High School, focusing on Marshall and Falls Church.
- Monday, September 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School, focusing on Lake Braddock and West Springfield.
- Tuesday, September 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Edison High School, focusing on Edison and Lewis.
In-person and virtual participation will be available.
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee has also developed priorities for the consultant after studying public feedback on draft maps released in the spring. A new draft map is expected during community meetings in October and will be added to the Boundary Explorer Tool for further comments. Maps currently displayed in the tool are the spring versions.
Community conversations planned
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will hold public conversations about current challenges and future opportunities from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on these dates:
- Monday, September 29, at McNair Upper Elementary School.
- Friday, October 3, at Annandale Terrace Elementary School.
- Friday, December 5, at Churchill Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, December 9, at Fairhill Elementary School.
- Thursday, December 11, at Bull Run Elementary School.
The events are open to everyone, with child care and interpretation provided. Registration details are expected later.
Reid also recently marked National Library Card Sign-Up Month with the Fairfax Library Foundation and highlighted library services in her weekly reflections.
$460 million bond heads to voters
A $460 million school bond referendum will appear on the November ballot. Funding is expected to support later stages of current projects and other work identified in the Capital Improvement Program.
Possible uses include renovations at Cub Run Elementary School, Union Mill Elementary School, and Centreville High School; inflation-related increases for projects approved under earlier bonds; security vestibules; energy-efficiency work; major maintenance; and the purchase of a western high school site.
School construction and renovation do not come from the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds spread those costs over time. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Naming process begins for western high school
Following the early September acquisition of a new high school in western Fairfax County, FCPS is preparing a community process to choose its name.
The School Board will discuss the school’s programming and possible boundary status during an October 7 work session. The project will appear as new business at the October 9 board meeting, beginning a one-month public comment period. Instructions for proposing names are expected soon.
Calendar and board reminders
Wednesday, October 1, is an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur. Classes will be held, but important school events will not take place after the school day.
Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, October 2, for the Yom Kippur holiday.
The School Board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, at 7 p.m. Agenda items include the opening-of-schools report and the awarding of contracts.