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Fairfax County Public Schools is approaching summer with key deadlines for families, including a calendar survey, camp registration, meal-account payments and the final day of classes. The school system is also celebrating student scholarships, innovative technology projects and career achievements.
Calendar survey opens June 5
Caregivers and FCPS employees will receive an email Friday, June 5, containing a unique link to the FCPS Calendar Survey. Responses are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 22.
Individual answers will remain confidential, with only aggregated findings presented to district leaders.
Anyone who does not receive a survey link or encounters technical problems should contact the FCPS Office of Research and Program Evaluation.
Students collect scholarships and awards
Eight students from six FCPS high schools have won 2026 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. They join 31 students who received other awards from the organization and nine recipients of National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships.
Educate Fairfax also awarded a record $91,500 during its second annual Beyond the Tassel celebration. The 47 scholarships went to students representing 18 FCPS high schools.
Students pursuing careers in the electrical, plumbing or HVAC trades will have another scholarship opportunity this summer. FCPS Adult and Community Education will accept applications from Monday, June 15, through Saturday, August 15, for $1,000 scholarships toward certified Trades Apprenticeship classes beginning this fall.
Student projects spotlight service and innovation
At Bull Run Elementary School, the Charger STRONG framework is helping build a culture centered on Safety, Thoughtfulness, Respect, Ownership, Neatness and Generosity. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recently highlighted the program in her Weekly Reflections series.
Chantilly High School student Meghana Nannapaneni earned first place in Fairfax County’s 10th annual Shark Tank Technology Challenge for Sage4Health, an application addressing cognitive decline and social isolation among older adults.
The annual regional contest asks high school students to create practical, compassionate assistive technologies or mobile applications for older adults and people with disabilities.
Woodson High School senior Jeremy is preparing for a health-care career through the EMT program at Falls Church Academy. After earning his Certified Nursing Assistant certification through an Introduction to Nursing course, he began working part time at a local nursing and rehabilitation center while finishing high school.
Two graduating student journalists—Zoe of Annandale High School and Lizzie of Chantilly High School—were also recognized for using reporting, leadership and service to inform and strengthen their communities.
Families, students and employees can celebrate other graduates by sharing graduation or promotion ceremony photos on Facebook or Instagram. Posts should tag FCPS and the student’s school and include the hashtag #FCPSgrad26.
Summer learning begins with June 6 celebration
The free FCPS Summer Extravaganza will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Woodson High School.
The family event will feature hands-on STEM and arts experiences, robotics demonstrations, a petting zoo, food trucks and activities for students of all ages. Families can also explore learning resources and meet representatives from FCPS offices and community organizations.
Early arrivals may have an opportunity to meet Reid and have their yearbooks signed.
Registration for FCPS summer camps and enrichment programs closes Friday, June 5. Options include Career and Technical Education camps, Institute for the Arts camps and Production Camp.
Families can find additional ideas in the FCPS Summer Resource Guide and Summer Learning webpage. Resources cover camps, academic activities, health and safety, and ways to keep students engaged until August. More materials may be added during the summer.
The third annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt is also open to participants of all ages. Along with creative problem-solving, the hunt teaches bicycle and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
Free summer meals start June 22
Beginning Monday, June 22, students can receive no-cost meals on a first-come, first-served basis at participating FCPS Summer Food Service Program locations. Students must eat their meals on site.
With support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one free breakfast and lunch for each adult at Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley and London Towne elementary schools.
Additional meal sites may be added throughout the summer.
FCPS is also asking families to check their students’ MySchoolBucks accounts and pay any remaining school-meal balances before the academic year ends.
Households earning less than 185% of the federal poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals, but they must submit a new application every school year. Families with an outstanding balance who believe they qualify may still complete an application for the 2025-26 school year. Applications for 2026-27 will become available this summer.
Immunization events planned
Inspire Health Alliance and FCPS will offer required student immunizations this summer without out-of-pocket costs to families.
Insurance information will be requested when applicable, but students without insurance may still participate. Dates, times and locations will be posted online, with additional events announced four to five weeks in advance.
Last day of school brings shortened schedules
Wednesday, June 17, is the final day of the 2025-26 school year.
High schools will operate from 8 to 10 a.m., while secondary schools will run from 8:10 to 10:10 a.m. Middle and elementary schools will dismiss two hours early, with exact times available from individual schools.
The first day of the 2026-27 school year will be Monday, August 24.
The final regular FCPS weekly newsletter of the current school year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
Libraries and police offer more summer programs
The Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Adventure will run from Wednesday, June 17, through Wednesday, August 19, giving participants opportunities to read and earn prizes.
Fairfax Library Foundation will launch the season with a free Children’s Summer Reading Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Fairfax County Government Center. Activities will include games, crafts, face painting, a bounce house and snacks.
The Fairfax County Police Department is also offering summer programs for students and young adults interested in public safety. Participants can explore career paths, strengthen their résumés and gain leadership experience through hands-on activities and conversations with officers about technology, teamwork, training and law-enforcement careers.