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Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing several major changes for the 2025-26 school year, including revised grading practices, tighter high school cellphone restrictions and a shift in limited elementary early-release days.
The July 9 update also highlighted spring sports champions, summer programs, immunization requirements and approaching deadlines for families.
Students Claim Spring Sports Honors
Seventeen FCPS student-athletes and five teams won Virginia High School League Class 6 championships during the 2025 spring season. FCPS also recognized the teams and athletes who finished as runners-up.
Grading and Cellphone Policies Are Changing
All middle and high school classes will operate under new grading policies during the 2025-26 school year. The changes are intended to make grading practices clearer and more consistent.
High school students will also face stricter limits on personal devices beginning in August. Cellphones, AirPods, smartwatches and similar devices may be used only during lunch and before or after school.
Unlike the previous policy, students will no longer be permitted to use devices during passing periods. Devices must remain turned off and put away during classes and between classes.
Additional revisions to the Student Rights and Responsibilities rules address discipline data, parent notifications, hate speech and integrated discipline training.
Limited early-release days will continue at elementary schools but move to Wednesdays. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced the plan during a June School Board report, citing recommendations from a steering committee of parents, caregivers and school employees.
The first day of the new school year is Monday, Aug. 18.
Families Urged to Check Immunizations
Families should review student vaccination records before school begins. Records may be requested through the free Virginia Immunization Information System, another state’s system or a health care provider, although some providers may charge for copies.
Students entering seventh grade must receive Tdap, meningococcal MenACWY and human papillomavirus vaccines before school starts. Tdap must have been administered at age 7 or older, while MenACWY must have been given at age 10 or older. Parents and guardians may decline the HPV vaccine without providing documentation.
Students entering 12th grade need a MenACWY dose administered at age 16 or older.
Vaccinations are available from family health care providers and Fairfax County Health Department clinics. The department offers appointments and limited first-come, first-served walk-in hours.
Inova Cares will also hold pediatric back-to-school health fairs in July and August, offering free physicals and vaccinations for registered Inova patients age 5 and older who have Virginia Medicaid or lack insurance. Appointments are required at 703-698-2550, and families should bring vaccination records.
Summer Meals, Learning and Community Programs Continue
FCPS is directing families to summer activities, camps, academic ideas, mental health support and safety information through its Summer Learning webpage and Summer Resource Guide.
The Summer Meal Service Program is providing free breakfast and lunch to all children age 18 and younger. Questions may be directed to 703-813-4800.
The Family Resource Center will hold a Disability Awareness Open House from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, July 14, at the Dr. Larry Bussey Community Library. Representatives from the Community Services Board and Best Buddies of VA/DC will speak, and parents will discuss their experiences raising children with disabilities.
Families can also apply for FCPS pre-K and Early Head Start programs serving qualifying Fairfax County children with economic and educational risk factors.
Pre-K serves children ages 3 and 4, with priority given to 4-year-olds. Applicants must turn 3 by Sept. 30. Early Head Start operates at Clearview, Crestwood and Dogwood elementary schools and accepts expectant mothers and families with children ages 6 weeks to 2 years.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue in Falls Church. Placement is based on need rather than application order, and space is limited. Families may call 703-208-7900 for assistance in English or 703-208-7901 for Spanish.
Boundary Feedback Deadline Approaches
Families, employees and community members have until 5 p.m. Friday, July 18, to comment on three draft boundary scenarios through the Boundary Explorer Tool.
Feedback submitted before the deadline will be collected by a consultant and shared with the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee. The public-comment process has been open since May.
Powell’s Legacy Honored in Centreville
A historical marker honoring General Colin L. Powell was unveiled June 14 at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville.
Students, educators, community members and Powell’s relatives and friends attended the ceremony. The marker recognizes Powell as a military trailblazer, statesman, supporter of youth initiatives and longtime Fairfax County resident.
It is the fourth marker installed through the county’s Black/African American Historical Marker Project.
Nearly 950 Seek Spots in New Internship Program
FCPS welcomed its first group of summer interns, drawn from current students and recent graduates. Nearly 950 people applied for the competitive six-week paid program.
The school system is also introducing a new login screen for applications such as Schoology. More applications will adopt the design during the school year, but families will continue using the same FCPS username and password currently used for SIS ParentVUE.
FCPS Schedules Summer Hiring Events
An educator job fair will run from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 23, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. School representatives will conduct interviews and may make employment offers during the event.
Bus driver fairs are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on four dates:
- Friday, July 11, at Oakton High School
- Thursday, July 17, at Glasgow Middle School
- Wednesday, July 23, at Whitman Middle School
- Wednesday, July 30, at Marshall High School
FCPS is advertising a $2,000 signing bonus for drivers and continues to list other available positions.
Tax Holiday and Student Leadership Announced
Virginia’s sales tax holiday will run from Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. Eligible purchases include certain school supplies and clothing.
Faith Mekonen, a rising senior at South County High School, has been elected to a one-year term as the student representative to the Fairfax County School Board. Chosen by the countywide Student Advisory Council, she began the role July 1.