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Fairfax County Public Schools families face several important deadlines and events this fall, including required student forms, immunization compliance, standardized testing, boundary-review meetings and a $460 million school bond referendum.

Parents and caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should contact their child’s school for an activation code.

Forms and immunization records

Families should confirm with a health care provider that students have received all immunizations required by Virginia. Beginning Tuesday, November 18, students without proof of required vaccinations may be barred from attending school.

Immunization records can be checked and submitted through SIS ParentVUE or delivered to the school’s front office.

The Parent Digital Consent system allows families to approve or decline access to online educational tools, counseling, tutoring and other resources. It also provides options for managing student information.

Parents must also review and sign the Student Rights and Responsibilities document, which outlines behavioral expectations and adult responses. ParentVUE users will receive a prompt to sign electronically. A printable signature sheet may instead be returned to the school by Tuesday, September 30.

SOL scores rise above state averages

FCPS students continued to significantly outperform Virginia averages on the 2025 Standards of Learning tests. Pass rates released by the Virginia Department of Education on August 27 also showed year-over-year improvement in science, math and reading.

Superintendent schedules public conversations

Superintendent Michelle Reid will host Community Conversations across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. Families may offer feedback and ask questions during events scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on:

  • Monday, September 15, at Woodlawn Elementary School
  • Monday, September 29
  • Friday, October 3
  • Friday, December 5
  • Tuesday, December 9
  • Thursday, December 11

Locations and registration information for several sessions were still pending. The events are open to everyone, with child care and interpretation available.

Reid’s recent activities also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wakefield Forest Elementary School, where a renovation was financed through school bond referendums.

$460 million school bond heads to voters

A $460 million school bond referendum will appear on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot. If voters approve it, the bonds are expected to finance projects in the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program approved by the School Board in February.

School construction and renovations are not paid for through the division’s operating budget. Bonds allow those capital costs to be paid over time.

In-person early voting in Fairfax County is scheduled from Friday, September 19, through Saturday, November 1.

SAT and PSAT testing changes the October 8 schedule

Every FCPS high school will administer free digital exams on Wednesday, October 8. Twelfth graders may take the SAT School Day exam, while students in grades 10 and 11 will receive the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Most ninth graders will not attend school that day and are encouraged to finish missing assignments before the end of the first quarter. Ninth graders with disabilities who receive low-incidence special education services will have in-person instruction followed by a two-hour early release.

Families with questions should contact their school’s Student Services team.

Teacher honored for helping a student’s family

Bailey’s Upper Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Kylee West was named the FCPS CARES of the Quarter recipient. FCPS and Educate Fairfax recognized West for her compassion and dedication, including stepping in to help a student who was caring for younger siblings.

Robinson Secondary also earned statewide recognition, winning both the Virginia High School League National Guard Cup for academics and the cup for athletics during the 2024-25 school year. Capturing both awards in one year is rare.

The achievements reflect FCPS’ broader strategic goal of giving students equitable access to electives, extracurricular programs, co-curricular opportunities and enrichment activities.

Special education newsletter addresses safety and inclusion

The latest Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter covers inclusive education, emergency safety for students with disabilities and the use of personal electronic devices by students with disabilities.

The publication is produced by the Department of Special Services, which supports staff, students and families in addressing barriers to learning.

Thomas Jefferson applications open October 20

Eighth graders interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics may apply for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Class of 2030 beginning Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m.

Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, and submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Information sessions are also planned at middle schools.

Boundary review moves deeper into Phase 2

The comprehensive boundary review is entering the second part of Phase 2. Reid recently shared takeaways from the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee meeting held September 3, along with materials presented to committee members.

The next round of community meetings will use a hybrid format, allowing in-person and virtual participation. Several locations were still being finalized. September sessions are scheduled for:

  • Monday, September 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Justice High School
  • Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oakton High School
  • Thursday, September 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, September 19, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
  • Friday, September 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, September 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Monday, September 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

By mid-October, FCPS’ consultant is expected to update the Boundary Explorer Tool with the newest draft scenarios. Those proposals will be presented for feedback during 12 community meetings in October.

September calendar brings early releases and closures

FCPS will observe the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance 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 participate in service learning. Middle and high school students can use x2VOL through Naviance to explore opportunities.

Elementary schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield and West Potomac pyramids will dismiss three hours early on Wednesday, September 17.

Schools will also mark Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17, commemorating the signing of the Constitution in 1787 and recognizing citizens by birth, age and naturalization. National Voter Registration Day also falls on September 17.

FCPS will celebrate its solar initiative and the arrival of 17 electric school buses during Sun Day at Louise Archer Elementary School on Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. The family event will feature live music, solar-themed story time and student-led sustainability demonstrations.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Monday, September 22. Important events will not be scheduled after school that day. Schools and offices will close Tuesday, September 23, for the holiday.

The School Board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, at 7 p.m. Agenda items include additional advisory committee appointments and the awarding of contracts.