Article Text
Fairfax County Public Schools is heading toward summer with new learning opportunities, mental health services and family resources, while also celebrating achievements in music, teaching and student support.
The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation has named FCPS one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education. The recognition comes as the school division marks more than 50 years of its All-County Sixth Grade Choral Festival, which recently brought hundreds of young singers together to perform.
FCPS will also recognize cafeteria employees on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 1. The celebration follows School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, when the division thanked drivers and attendants for safely transporting students through early mornings and long workdays.
Summer learning expands across FCPS
Families can explore summer programs during the free FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Woodson High School. The event will feature hands-on STEM, arts and creative activities, along with summer-learning resources, community partners and a Student Market.
Registration is open through Friday, June 5, for several FCPS camps scheduled in July at Robinson Secondary School. Career and Technical Education and Fine and Performing Arts programs will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with bus service available from selected FCPS schools. Eligible families receiving free or reduced-price meals may apply for tuition assistance.
Tech Adventure Camp will give current kindergarten through fifth-grade students a week to explore STEAM subjects, culinary arts, health, trades, business and marketing.
The CTE Summer Academy offers students in grades 6-11 a week of career exploration and skill development. Arts options include the Elementary Institute for the Arts for grades K-5 and the Institute for the Arts for grades 6-11, where students can choose among nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music and theater. Rising ninth graders may also take Health and PE 9 through the program.
A four-week Production Camp will place students in grades 6-11 on performance or technical-theater tracks as they rehearse, design and build a musical for a public presentation. New this year, students attending these camps may register for aftercare from 2 to 5 p.m.
Family services prepare for a move
Several services based at the Dunn Loring Center will relocate permanently as the building is renovated and returned to use as a school.
The Family Resource Center will close Monday, May 4. Student registration appointments at Dunn Loring will end Friday, May 8, followed by early-childhood testing appointments on Friday, May 15. The services are scheduled to reopen at Pimmit Hills Center on Monday, June 1.
FCPS also offers family information phone lines in nine languages. Employees respond in a caller’s preferred language within 24 hours on weekdays and can connect families with resources or the appropriate school staff member.
Those services were among the supports highlighted at the annual Special Education Family Conference. Nearly 500 people attended this year’s free Saturday event, more than twice the previous attendance. Individuals and groups were also recognized with First-Class Awards.
Family Resource Center liaison Amal Elsayed was among the FCPS employees helping at the conference. Her work includes listening to families, providing translation and helping them participate as partners in their children’s education.
Teachers earn recognition for building stronger connections
Fairfax Villa reading specialist Lisa Choi received the latest FCPS CARES of the Quarter award. Choi, described as a master of her craft, has earned Educate Fairfax grants in two consecutive years for her literacy work.
This year’s funding paid for literacy bags that students can bring home, giving families greater access to quality books and more ways to participate in their children’s learning.
At Robinson Secondary School, intellectual disabilities teacher, alumnus and coach Paul Arena continues to create connections between students with special needs and their general-education peers. His work includes the partnership class and Partner’s Club. Arena was an Outstanding Secondary School Teacher finalist last year.
Navy Elementary technology specialist Chrissy McLaughlin is also using personal experience to advocate for children’s safety. Her son Zach died from child abuse, and for two decades she has shared his story to help protect other children. The color blue and April, recognized as Child Abuse Awareness Month, have special meaning in her work. Her message to students is that every child should feel cared for, happy, safe and loved.
Algebra participation rises 18%
More FCPS eighth graders are reaching Algebra 1 after years of daily problem-solving and early algebra instruction beginning in kindergarten.
Across all student groups, the number of eighth graders taking Algebra 1 increased by 18% during the past three years. The division presented details about the growth during the April 23 School Board meeting.
FCPS is also urging families to address attendance problems before the school year ends. Students struggling to attend consistently or finish the year should reach out to a teacher, counselor, administrator or another trusted adult at school.
Free therapy and crisis support remain available
High school students can receive virtual therapy at no cost for concerns including anxiety, grief, changes in mood or behavior, low motivation, bullying, academic stress and difficulties with peers or family members.
A guardian or designated school employee can make a referral. Families may call 571-749-2940 or contact a school counselor, social worker, psychologist or director of Student Services.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board provides additional youth services, including individual and family counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer and recovery support, crisis response and intensive care. Families can reach its Entry and Referral service at 703-383-8500 or by email.
The 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential help from trained crisis counselors by phone or text after school hours. It supports people dealing with mental health or substance-use crises, as well as those worried about someone else, and is not limited to suicidal thoughts. Reports cited by FCPS indicate an 11% decline in suicides among young people since 988 launched. Emergencies should still be directed to 911.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day falls on April 29. FCPS is encouraging families to learn the facts about fentanyl and prepare short, direct conversations that teenagers may be more likely to hear.
Job fair, active travel and adult training ahead
FCPS will hold a virtual job fair for special education and STEM teaching positions on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants can network and interview with school representatives, with special education information sessions scheduled for 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Students, families and teachers are invited to participate in Bike and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 6. The national event promotes walking and bicycling, healthier habits, safer active commutes and reduced vehicle traffic around schools.
FCPS Adult and Community Education is marking National Apprenticeship Week by offering $100 discounts on selected online skilled-trades courses. Available subjects include plumbing, electrical work, HVAC and welding. Scholarships and payment plans may also be available.