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Fairfax County Public Schools entered March with new evidence of stronger student writing, a newly adopted advertised budget and a packed week of academic, cultural, artistic and community events.
During the latest School Board meeting, Superintendent Michelle Reid reported substantial gains under the Benchmark Advance K-6 Writing Curriculum. Teachers and school leaders said students are producing work that is longer, more detailed and better organized while showing greater confidence and independence.
Quarterly assessments covering narrative, informational and opinion writing found that third-grade performance rose from 52% to 69%, a 17-point increase. Fourth-grade results climbed from 57% to 78%, gaining 21 points. In fifth grade, the share of students meeting end-of-year writing expectations improved by 23%.
Early-year results across kindergarten through fifth grade also showed a 23% increase in students performing at intermediate or advanced levels in spelling, grammar, sentence structure and other foundational writing skills.
Reid said students are applying vocabulary from reading lessons, developing greater writing stamina and asking more purposeful questions about structure, genre and expression. She also cited workforce surveys finding that writing is required for 67% of salaried employees and considered during hiring by 91% of employers.
Budget and public conversations
The School Board adopted FCPS’ Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget, a needs-based proposal centered on competitive employee compensation and the division’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan. Its priorities include compensation adjustments associated with collective bargaining and efforts to retain educators and support employees in the region’s high-cost labor market.
Fairfax County’s separate FY 2027 budget process will include town halls from March 2 through April 10 and public hearings from April 14 through April 16.
Reid is also holding conversations with FCPS employees and community members through late April.
Employee sessions are scheduled for March 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Centreville Elementary School; March 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Lemon Road Elementary School; March 25 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School; and April 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Wolftrap Elementary School.
Community conversations are set for March 3 at Waples Mill Elementary School; March 17 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at Glen Forest Elementary School; March 23 at Ravensworth Elementary School; April 13 at Belle View Elementary School; April 20 at Westgate Elementary School; and April 22 at Crestwood Elementary School. Except for the March 17 event, the community sessions will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The events follow Public Schools Week, when FCPS highlighted initiatives including expanded access to Algebra I and the addition of five athletic programs.
Students explore STEM, food and future careers
A group of 34 students and five chaperones from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology traveled to Baltimore for the Black Engineer of the Year Awards conference. Counselor Andrea Smith said students heard two keynote speakers and joined a two-hour speed-mentoring session with four military STEM professionals, learning about their education and career paths.
At Lorton Station Elementary School’s SPARK Expo science and engineering fair Saturday, students presented projects built around inquiry and problem-solving. Kindergartners compared the absorption and strength of paper towel brands, while other students tested the electrical current produced by fruits and vegetables and found dragon fruit generated more than sweet potatoes. Another presentation examined connections between the work of Newton and Einstein on general relativity.
Later Saturday, students brought their recipes to Hayfield Secondary School for the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, a partnership focused on healthier eating and access to whole foods. Regional chefs joined the event to support participants and evaluate their culinary work.
Herndon High School student Sidney Ide, whose team won last year’s challenge, returned this year as a judge. Beyond developing dishes they would like served in school cafeterias, competitors had opportunities to connect with food-industry professionals.
Real Food for Kids Executive Director Bonnie Moore said the challenge gives students a voice in school meals while demonstrating that nutritious food can also be enjoyable.
Civil rights history takes focus
Civil rights and labor leader Dolores Huerta visited John R. Lewis High School on Tuesday. Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers, organized farmworkers, led major boycotts and advocated for civil, women’s and immigrant rights. She also helped create the rallying cry “Sí, se puede.”
Reid told students that the legacies of Huerta and John R. Lewis remain visible in young people who stand up for their beliefs and undertake service projects in their communities.
On Wednesday, C. G. Woodson High School hosted the second annual FCPS Black History Month celebration, “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence.” The event coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that began when Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926.
Student-led “Moments of Pride” connected history with contemporary achievement, highlighting figures including Misty Copeland, Madam C. J. Walker and Bayard Rustin. The Rev. Vernon Walton of First Baptist Church of Vienna delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that every story matters and that honoring history requires continuing action. The program also recognized educator Louise Archer and her commitment to students.
West Potomac High School continued the celebration Thursday morning with its 15th annual Soul Food Luncheon, featuring foods connected to Black culinary traditions and organized with support from staff and students.
Artists, athletes and future principals recognized
Three hundred works were displayed Wednesday at the Artifax awards ceremony at the Ernst Cultural Community Center. Awards recognized thematic concept, creative process, artistry, reflective voice and cultural context.
On Friday, 105 student artists were honored during the Fairfax County Council of PTAs Reflections Awards at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Students submitted work in dance, film, literature, music, photography and visual arts.
Reid also met Tuesday with educators in the Aspiring Principals Academy at the Gatehouse Administration Center. That evening, she attended playoff basketball games at Centreville High School, where Centreville’s girls played Yorktown and its boys faced Langley in a close contest.