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Fairfax County Public Schools is opening registration for summer camps and credit-bearing courses while reporting gains in early literacy following the introduction of a science-based reading curriculum.
The school division’s February 26 update also included vaccination reminders, family programs, budget developments and upcoming events.
Early reading results improve
FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum in fall 2024 with an emphasis on the science of reading, including phonics. From fall to winter, screening results showed an increase of more than 4 percentage points in kindergarten through third-grade students approaching or meeting expectations.
The results also showed 3.4 percentage points more third graders demonstrating strong reading foundations and 8.4 percentage points more mastering grade-level standards.
FCPS aims to have students transition from learning to read to reading to learn by the end of third grade. The division connects grade-level literacy with later goals such as completing advanced coursework and graduating on time.
At Kings Park Elementary School, second-grade teachers were recently preparing lessons using Benchmark Advance, the new language arts curriculum for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes investments intended to support academic growth. The School Board adopted its advertised budget on February 20 and later held a joint meeting with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Summer camp registration approaches
Summer Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts camps will take place in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is scheduled for March 10 through June 6, with bus transportation available from selected FCPS middle and high schools.
Tech Adventure Camp is a one-week program for current kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Activities cover science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, along with culinary arts, health, trades, business and marketing.
The one-week CTE Summer Academy will allow students in grades 6 through 11 to explore career fields and develop related skills.
The Institute for the Arts offers a two- or three-week program for current students in grades 6 through 11, with nearly 90 class options covering art, dance, music, theater and Health and Physical Education 9. The elementary E-IFTA program gives students in grades 2 through 5 four daily classes involving dance, music, theater and visual art.
FCPS students earned more than 14,000 career and technical education credentials during the 2023-24 school year, Superintendent Michelle Reid told the School Board on February 20.
Students can earn course credit online
Eligible middle and high school students may earn high school credit through the summer online campus. Registration is open through June 6 for courses in mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies and world languages.
A self-directed Economics and Personal Finance course will run from June 23 through July 25. Students must register by May 23. The independently completed class can fulfill the graduation requirement in that subject.
Boundary review committee releases updates
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met February 21 at the Gatehouse Administration Center. Materials from the meeting include key takeaways, presentation slides and the agenda as FCPS continues its comprehensive boundary review.
Student chefs prepare for competition
The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge is scheduled for March 8 at 9:30 a.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. The free event will feature student recipe presentations, a public tasting and a demonstration by two local chefs and restaurateurs. Registration is required.
Students taking Family and Consumer Sciences electives may form teams to create healthy school meals. Entries must satisfy federal school-nutrition requirements and reflect cultural traditions represented in the school community. A panel of local chefs will judge the recipes.
Woodson hosts Black History Month celebration
Students, educators and community members gathered at Carter G. Woodson High School on February 19 for a Black History Month program focused on history, pride and the future.
The school is named for Carter G. Woodson, widely known as the “Father of Black History.”
Seventh-grade vaccination deadline looms
Virginia law requires families to provide proof of required immunizations for children attending public school. Students entering seventh grade must receive a Tdap booster administered at age 7 or older and a meningococcal vaccine administered at age 10 or older.
The requirements also list a two-dose HPV vaccine series. After reviewing state-approved educational information, a parent or guardian may choose not to have a child receive the HPV vaccine.
Families are encouraged to schedule appointments early to avoid the summer rush. Immunization resources are available for children who do not have a health care provider.
Special education planning event set
Career and Transition Services will hold a planning program for families of students receiving special education services on March 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jackson Middle School.
Representatives will discuss employment, postsecondary education, supported decision-making and services available during and after high school. The program will also cover individualized education program transition planning, self-determination and options for younger students. A question-and-answer session will follow, and advance registration is requested.
Family Academy announces March programs
The FCPS Family Academy will offer free March webinars and events about anxiety and autism, executive-function development in middle school, teen anxiety and depression, childhood trauma, emotional regulation for twice-exceptional students and fostering belonging beyond diagnostic labels.
The 2025 Family Summit, titled “Beyond Labels — Nurturing a Culture of Belonging,” will extend the division’s Special Education Conference. One session about understanding childhood trauma will be presented in Spanish.
Families urged to strengthen communication
FCPS is encouraging parents and guardians to approach difficult conversations with children by reducing distractions, creating a comfortable setting and listening without immediately dismissing a child’s feelings.
Other suggested techniques include validating emotions even during disagreement and asking “how” questions that invite children to describe their experiences. The guidance is intended to help families build trust and discuss difficult subjects, including fentanyl and youth mental health.
Calendar and community notices
Public Schools Week runs from February 24 through February 28, recognizing educators, advocates and community members who support public education.
Ramadan begins at sundown February 28. School remains in session, but after-school activities that cannot be made up may not take place. Families seeking accommodations involving meals, prayer, meditation, silent reflection or instruction should contact their child’s principal.
Fairfax County has also assembled employment and financial resources for former federal employees, contractors and other residents affected by job losses tied to reductions in the federal workforce. Available assistance includes job-search preparation and possible support with health and human services, taxes and pet-related expenses.