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Fairfax County Public Schools moved forward on several major initiatives during the week of May 12, including proposed boundary changes, an amended fiscal 2026 budget and plans to expand general education inclusion for students receiving special education services.

The week also brought celebrations across the division, from the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule to robotics honors, scholarships, student performances and an award for an Oak View Elementary School educator.

Superintendent Michelle Reid began by recognizing School Communicators Day and the staff members who maintain school newsletters, websites and social media accounts.

FCPS leaders also discussed using current and historical data for predictive analytics. One example would use second-grade spring results from the NWEA MAP screener to estimate which students are likely to pass the third-grade reading Standards of Learning test. Educators could then adjust enrichment and intervention efforts as new information becomes available.

Technology architect Brendan Martin compared the approach to an automatic bullseye dartboard created by former NASA engineer Mark Rober. The board repeatedly predicts a dart’s path and moves as the dart travels, becoming more accurate as it approaches. Martin said similarly responsive data systems could help schools course-correct and provide students with timely support.

Reid also met with Oakton High School’s robotics team for an “Our Voices, Our Future” video about the students’ academic interests and career ambitions.

Oakton’s FTC teams 369 and 226 finished as district finalists at every district event and collected a dozen awards. The teams selected each other as alliance partners at their final district competition and qualified for the Chesapeake Championships.

Team 369 reached the Chesapeake finals for the first time and advanced to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship. It was among six teams selected from more than 240 in the Chesapeake district and competed at worlds as the eighth alliance captain.

Time capsule connects Waples Mill generations

On Monday morning, Reid joined the Waples Mill Elementary School community to open a time capsule sealed in 2000.

Former staff member Fran Jinarro helped preserve the capsule and opened it with fellow 1999-2000 staff members Charlene Willess and Judy Keithley. Its contents included letters, photographs and handwritten messages expressing students’ hopes for the future.

Student Council President Adam Raines also spoke during the event. Principal Meishe Thirus, school employees, the PTA, students and families helped organize the gathering.

That afternoon, Reid attended a superintendents’ roundtable in Washington, D.C., where education leaders from the region and across the country discussed financial and operational pressures facing K-12 schools.

Boundary review enters community phase

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met Monday evening to examine the review process, test an interactive tool and consider proposed boundary adjustments.

FCPS planned a series of hybrid community meetings before summer break, followed by another round in the fall. Participants would be able to explore initial draft scenarios through a customized Boundary Explorer Tool, which was also expected to become available on the division’s website.

The announced meetings were:

• May 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Oakton High School

• May 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Robinson Secondary School

• May 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Herndon High School

• May 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Lewis High School

• May 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Annandale High School

• May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., Whitman Middle School

• May 30, 6:30-8 p.m., Chantilly High School

• June 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Glasgow Middle School

Each meeting was to offer both in-person and Zoom participation. Childcare for in-person attendees and language interpretation or translation would be provided as needed, with registration links forthcoming.

On Tuesday evening, the Hispanic Leadership Alliance held its 20th annual Scholarship Banquet. The FCPS partner organization, composed of current and retired educators and staff, honored 32 students, adult learners and leaders representing more than 13 schools and programs.

The scholars had an average GPA above 4.1 and planned to attend institutions including Princeton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Boston College, George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College. Their intended career fields included nursing, engineering, education and law.

Crestwood Elementary School Principal Françoise Casablanca received the 2025 HLA Leadership Award. Students surprised her with video messages recognizing her leadership.

HLA President Manny Gómez Portillo, a senior manager in the Office of ESOL Services, said the recipients reflected the community’s hopes for the future and praised their determination and achievements.

Inclusion expansion planned for next school year

Reid held the school year’s final Employee Conversation at Weyanoke Elementary School on Wednesday evening. Employees discussed telework and returning to the office, the budget, curricula, access to new pay statements and inclusion for students with disabilities.

Beginning in the next school year, FCPS plans to increase general education inclusion for students receiving special education services as part of its Universal Design for Learning work.

Reid said inclusion gives young children opportunities to build stronger language skills alongside their peers. She cited research indicating that inclusion among 3- and 4-year-olds can reduce by 50% the number of students who need individualized education programs by kindergarten. Additional information was expected in the following weeks and months, while Employee Conversations were scheduled to resume in the fall.

At Thursday’s School Board meeting, Reid presented an amended fiscal 2026 budget. The division expected to remain focused on finalizing financial details for the coming year.

The meeting’s Academic Matters presentation highlighted the “Classroom on Wheels,” a collaboration between Auto Tech and Engineering students at Marshall Academy. Students are converting a retired school bus into a mobile learning laboratory.

Once finished, the bus is intended to bring additional academic assistance into students’ neighborhoods and strengthen connections between families and schools. The work has included removing rusted bolts and designing an interior that can adapt to different classroom needs.

Reid also discussed FCPS’ limited early-release days. Those days fell on Mondays during the 2024-25 school year but were scheduled to move to Wednesdays in the following school year, with the same services available.

Educator honored for special education advocacy

On Friday morning, the Falls Church High School Jazzguars performed at the Gatehouse Administration Center.

The select vocal jazz ensemble performs vocal jazz, musical theater and popular music. It is one of the few high school groups of its kind in Virginia and has been invited to perform with the George Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble and the Fairfax Symphony.

Later that morning, Amanda Alsbaugh, special education department chair at Oak View Elementary School, received the Spring CARES of the Quarter award. Educate Fairfax sponsors the award, and representatives from Cox Communications presented Alsbaugh with $500.

Colleagues described her as a central force within the school and a determined advocate for children whose needs might otherwise go unheard.

On Friday evening, 20 educators graduated from the Accelerated Certification Cohort. The one-year, noncredit program helps experienced FCPS teachers and central-office leaders pursue Virginia licenses in education administration.

FCPS manages the program with the University of Virginia, while the Virginia Department of Education grants licenses to participants who successfully complete it.

Student theater productions also filled the weekend. West Springfield High School performed “Into the Woods” on Friday. On Saturday, Woodson High School staged “Mamma Mia,” while Falls Church High School presented “The Addams Family” in its newly renovated theater.

Summer activities draw families and athletes

FCPS held its second annual Summer Extravaganza at Woodson High School on Saturday morning. Families participated in STEM, robotics and art activities and explored a school bus and fire truck. The event also featured student performances, music, a moon bounce and puppies.

Community organizations, partner groups and FCPS offices distributed resources and information. A new Student Program Marketplace allowed students to sell handmade items to support their clubs and activities. Educate Fairfax sponsored the event.

Later Saturday morning, more than 1,300 middle school athletes competed in track meets at several locations around Fairfax County, including Mount Vernon High School. Among the day’s winners was the Sandburg Middle School girls’ relay team.

SOL results gain new weight under state system

As students took end-of-year Standards of Learning tests, FCPS outlined how the results would affect schools under the Virginia Department of Education’s 2024 Accountability System and School Performance and Support Framework.

SOL assessments measure students’ command of the standards taught in their current courses. For individual students, the results provide teachers and caregivers with information about progress, strengths and areas needing improvement.

At the school level, reading, mathematics and science SOL tests—along with a smaller number of Virginia Alternate Assessment Program tests for eligible students with disabilities—are the only assessments included in the framework’s academic performance indicators for its Mastery component.

Those indicators account for the largest single share of a school’s overall framework score: 40% for secondary and high schools, 50% for middle schools and 55% for elementary schools.

A school’s overall score determines its initial placement in one of four categories: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track or Needs Intensive Support.

Under the calculations, most unsuccessful test attempts earn a school 0.75 points, proficient results earn 1 point and advanced scores earn 1.25 points.

FCPS encouraged students to give their best effort while cautioning that standardized exams provide only one view of achievement. The division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan also considers students’ interests outside the classroom and their preparation for college, careers or military service.