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Fairfax County Public Schools marked 2025 with career training, academic milestones, memorable staff stories and a district-first athletic championship.
The year began with Washington Commanders spirit. FCPS staff members who perform in the Commanders Marching Band were highlighted in January, while the team brought a pep rally to Clearview Elementary School.
In February, Edison Academy students practiced dog grooming through the district’s academy and Career and Technical Education programs, which prepare students for college and future careers. A behind-the-scenes video showing how snow is cleared from FCPS buses became the district’s most popular Instagram post at the time.
Edison Academy students returned to the spotlight in March when they restored the front end of a classic car for Edison High School’s production of “Grease — School Edition.” A social media post about the collaboration drew more than 1,000 reactions.
April brought the story of Nuril Kingsley, an enhanced autism teacher at Fairhill Elementary School. Kingsley said she chose teaching after seeing the support her son received in FCPS.
In May, Hayfield Secondary School students took part in chemistry lab work connected to the district’s emphasis on strong academic programs and resources. The community also celebrated Joyce Sisk as she retired from Bailey’s Elementary School after 52 years there.
That month, two former students returned to Louise Archer Elementary School to view part of the original school building revealed during a renovation.
Graduations and the class of 2025 took center stage in June as students and employees closed another school year. During July, learning continued through Career and Technical Education Tech Adventure Camps.
The first day of school drew increased media attention in August, including coverage of an FCPS bus driver who began the year behind the wheel in a tuxedo.
In September, FCPS highlighted early STEM learning through a Montessori program that opened at Bucknell Elementary School. Some sixth graders were also studying algebra two years ahead of schedule.
South County High School student and champion baton twirler Mary Moore earned another distinction in October when a feature about her became FCPS’ most popular Instagram post ever, surpassing February’s bus snow-clearing video.
FCPS also recognized Janell Haskins, who has driven the same school bus route for more than 30 years.
Oakton High School made district history in November by winning FCPS’ first flag football championship during the sport’s inaugural year.
The year closed in December with students at Graham Road arriving bundled against the winter cold, capping 12 months of achievements across the school system.