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Fairfax County Public Schools families have several new tools, events and deadlines to track this December, including a graduation-status feature, an internet-safety workshop and a career and technical education fair.
Families Can Track Graduation Progress Online
A new Graduation Status tool in ParentVUE and StudentVUE allows families to monitor progress toward a Standard or Advanced Studies diploma.
The feature covers high school students as well as middle school students taking at least one high school course. It supplements the course-history and unofficial-transcript options already available.
Users can find the tool by signing in to SIS ParentVUE or StudentVUE, opening Course History and turning on Graduation Status. Questions about graduation requirements should be directed to the student’s school counselor.
Workshops Highlight Online Safety, Computer Science and Careers
FCPS Intervention and Prevention Services will hold an internet-safety Family Café from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, in the Chantilly High School library.
The hands-on workshop will cover social media platforms and apps popular among students, ways to discuss online safety with children and seven digital-safety topics relevant from kindergarten through adulthood.
Computer Science Education Week also begins next week. FCPS is offering free materials for families interested in continuing computer science activities throughout the school year. Some digital resources may require parental consent.
Rising and current high school students can explore academies, specialty programs and career and technical education courses during a Pathway Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria. Central-office leaders and academy counselors will discuss courses and opportunities across the school division.
Community Conversations Continue
Superintendent Michelle Reid will host three Community Conversations where families can offer feedback and ask questions. Each event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- 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 available.
Reid’s latest weekly reflections also highlight activities across the division, including Rocky Run Middle School’s production of “The Lion King Jr.”
Boundary Review and New High School Name Advance
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met November 24, followed by an update from Reid on November 25.
At its December 4 meeting, the School Board is expected to discuss how boundary changes could be phased and how they might affect transportation.
FCPS has also reached the midpoint of selecting a name for its new high school in western Fairfax County. Families and staff in the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes and Westfield pyramids submitted more than 6,000 suggestions during an initial monthlong comment period that included two community meetings, a public hearing and a survey.
After reviewing the submissions, Reid is scheduled to present her recommendations to the School Board on December 4. A second public-comment period begins December 5, and the board is scheduled to vote on the name February 12, 2026.
Budget Discussions Put Local Impact in Focus
The School Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors met December 2 to discuss the budget forecast.
FCPS says its operating budget supports one of the county’s largest workforces while directing money to local businesses, services and housing markets. Planning is underway for the fiscal 2027 budget.
The School Board’s regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 4. Its agenda includes secondary course offerings, the 2026 state and federal legislative program, boundary-review phasing and transportation, and the fiscal 2026 midyear budget review.
Astronaut Returns to His Former Elementary School
North Springfield Elementary School students recently met George C. Nield, who traveled to space on a Blue Origin mission in 2022.
Nield told students that spaceflight was within reach and revealed his own connection to the school: He attended North Springfield during second and third grade.
FCPS also recognized Raquel Joyner, the special education chair at Quander Road, around National Special Education Day on December 2. Joyner, a longtime student advocate, received the division’s Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee award last year.
Employees Recognized for Exceptional Care
Amy Marketos, a counselor at Falls Church High School, was among the September FCPS CARES of the Month honorees. Her nomination described how she supported a student facing serious health problems, including visiting the student at home and delivering an encouraging message.
Other recipients were Rue De La Bay and Maged Gerges of the Facilities and Maintenance Satellite Office; Ken Junge, Felecia Allen and Faye Cofer of Colvin Run Elementary School; Jae Lemeshewsky of Sandburg Middle School; Hope Song of Colin Powell Elementary School; Joni Fraundorfer of Franklin Middle School; Alicia Fyfe of Forestdale Elementary School.
Community members, caregivers and employees may nominate FCPS workers whose service goes beyond ordinary expectations.
Volunteer Rules Temporarily Change
Volunteer FCPS lets community members create profiles and register for opportunities throughout the school division. Volunteers must enroll through the system and use school visitor kiosks to sign in and out.
Because of strong community participation, FCPS has temporarily paused fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. People who have already been fingerprinted will continue through processing and may become eligible for all Level 3 assignments.
All applicants must affirm that they have not been convicted of violent offenses, crimes against children or other serious misconduct. Field-trip chaperones are now classified as Level 2 volunteers and do not need a comprehensive background check.
Attendance and Calendar Reminders
FCPS is urging families to maintain regular attendance as absences typically rise immediately before and after winter break.
Monday, December 8, is Bodhi Day, a Buddhist religious and cultural observance. Schools will remain open, but events that cannot be rescheduled will not take place. Families may request reasonable accommodations for students’ religious obligations. Questions can be directed to the Office of Equity and Employee Relations at 571-423-3070.
On Wednesday, December 10, elementary schools in the Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss three hours early.
Winter break runs from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. FCPS has asked teachers not to assign homework during the break. Long-term work may be given beforehand, but nothing should be due immediately after students return.
Classes resume Monday, January 5, 2026.
Food and Winter Reading Resources Available
More than 96,000 Fairfax County residents experience food insecurity. County resources are available for people seeking food assistance, shelter or other human services, as well as residents interested in helping.
Fairfax County Public Library’s Winter Reading Adventure is also underway and continues through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Participants can register at a library branch or online. Seasonal programming includes gingerbread-house activities, crafts, New Year’s Eve celebrations and book discussions.