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Fairfax County Public Schools families face a packed stretch of events and deadlines, including no-cost student immunization clinics, a public discussion about artificial intelligence, Thomas Jefferson High School applications and community meetings on proposed boundary changes.
Student immunization clinics scheduled
FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance will provide required immunizations and optional flu shots to all FCPS students without out-of-pocket costs. Participation is voluntary, and more clinic dates are expected during the school year.
Clinics will run from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center on Nov. 6, 18, 19 and 20. Frost Middle School will host another clinic from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Parents and guardians may schedule appointments for their students.
Families are also being reminded to limit unnecessary absences while keeping children home when they are sick. Parents should inform the school and teachers if a student has a chronic illness and may require assistance.
FCPS examines AI in education
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recently discussed how artificial intelligence is being incorporated into teaching and learning and how it could help prepare students for future careers.
FCPS will continue that discussion during “Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, at West Springfield High School. Division leaders plan to address AI’s opportunities and challenges, its potential role in student achievement and workforce preparation, and the future of innovation in the school system. The event will include keynotes and a panel discussion, and registration is required.
Thomas Jefferson applications open Oct. 20
Eighth-grade students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics may apply to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Class of 2030 beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20.
Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, and submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14.
Students launch rockets for World Space Week
Students at Flint Hill Elementary School recently built rockets and tested them on the school baseball diamond. More than 50 FCPS elementary schools held Baking Soda Rocket Day activities in recognition of World Space Week.
FCPS project manager returns to renovate his former school
Jordan Short, FCPS senior manager of Capital Projects, is helping renovate Armstrong Elementary School, which he attended before moving on to Herndon Middle and Herndon High schools.
The project also has a direct connection to Short’s family. His sons Charlie and Parker attend Armstrong in second grade and kindergarten.
School construction and renovations are not paid for through the division’s annual operating budget. Instead, voter-approved bonds allow the costs to be spread over time. A $460 million school bond referendum will appear on the November ballot, with Election Day set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Reid recently highlighted the work of the Design and Construction Services office during a School Board update on differentiated and culturally responsive learning environments. FCPS uses Educational Specifications to guide school construction and renovations, including decisions about naturally lit, flexible libraries and safer, more efficient traffic patterns at kiss-and-ride areas.
Hybla Valley pilots hot supper program
Families attending back-to-school night at Hybla Valley Elementary School had an opportunity to sample FCPS meals as the school launched a hot supper pilot with the Office of Food and Nutrition Services.
The program provides free meals to students and $5 meals to adults.
During National School Lunch Week, FCPS also reminded families that they may apply for free or reduced-price meals at any point in the school year. Families whose income falls because of a furlough, layoff, job loss or another change may become eligible under federal guidelines.
Once approved, meal benefits remain in effect for the rest of the school year and for as many as 30 school days into the following year, even if the household’s income changes again.
Principals and ombuds office receive attention
FCPS is recognizing Fairfax High School Principal Georgina Aye and South County Middle School Principal Justin Simmons during National Principals Month. Both were honored at the FCPS Honors celebration last spring for leadership centered on student growth, belonging and support for teachers and families.
The division also highlighted FCPS Ombuds Dawn Clements and her office as an independent, confidential resource for people who have questions or concerns about the school system and do not know where to seek help.
Adult classes and free student transportation available
The 2025-26 FCPS Adult and Community Education course catalog is being mailed to area households. The program offers in-person and online courses in continuing education, career certification and personal development.
Fairfax County middle and high school students may also apply for Student Bus Pass SmarTrip cards providing free rides on Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year.
Students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church and Marshall high schools, as well as Davis Center, may ride approved Metrobus routes for free. Children age 12 and younger can ride Fairfax Connector buses free when accompanied by a paying adult.
For qualifying low-income residents ages 18 to 65, the Fairfax Connector Transit Ridership Incentive Program provides a 50% fare discount.
New index tracks readiness beyond test scores
During a recent School Board meeting, Reid presented the Future-Ready Index, which is intended to give families a broader picture of division performance beyond Standards of Learning scores.
The index covers five areas: academic excellence, safety and belonging, future-ready experiences, great teachers and support, and community investment. Each area contains five indicators tracking subjects such as academic growth, graduation outcomes, school climate, engagement and access to meaningful learning opportunities.
Boundary review meetings continue
FCPS is holding 12 October community meetings about its latest proposed boundary map, known as Scenario 4. Each meeting focuses on two school pyramids and gives participants an opportunity to hear about proposed changes and ask questions.
Upcoming sessions include:
- A Madison Pyramid meeting from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Falls Church High School.
- A Marshall and Falls Church pyramids meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Falls Church High School, with in-person and virtual participation.
- A Justice and Annandale pyramids meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Annandale High School.
- A South County and Hayfield pyramids meeting Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Hayfield Secondary School.
- An Edison and Lewis pyramids meeting Friday, Oct. 24, at Lewis High School.
Unless otherwise noted, the meetings run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is available for either in-person or virtual attendance.
Participants may arrive or log in 30 minutes early to explore the proposed map through the Boundary Explorer Tool. FCPS will have a limited number of laptops and staff assistance available at in-person meetings. Feedback may be submitted through the tool or shared with each pyramid’s representative on the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee.
Operational career fair set for Oct. 28
FCPS and the Fairfax County government will hold an Operational Career Fair and Networking Event from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Fairfax County Government Center.
The event will feature current and future operational job opportunities with FCPS. Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 24. Questions may be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources at 571-423-3000.
All FCPS schools and offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 20, for the Diwali holiday.