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Fairfax County Public Schools families are being urged to review measles vaccinations as cases rise nationwide, while the school division confronts a projected $150 million funding gap and prepares for summer programs, camps and enrichment activities.
Budget debate intensifies
Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid met with about two dozen student journalists to discuss the advertised fiscal year 2026 budget. The roundtable took place weeks before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was expected to finalize a county budget that, at the time, left FCPS underfunded by $150 million.
Reid also presented updated budget information to the School Board. A county budget-priorities survey and the final public hearing were scheduled to close April 24, with the hearing beginning at 3 p.m.
The School Board was set to meet at 7 p.m. April 24 at Jackson Middle School. Its agenda included a proposed Mason District pilot involving K-12 school start times and the awarding of contracts.
Families warned about measles
With measles cases increasing across the United States, families are being reminded that approximately one in five infected people is hospitalized. The disease can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in some cases, death.
Typical symptoms include a high fever that may reach 104 degrees, coughing, a runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash generally appears three to five days after the other symptoms, beginning on the face before spreading down the body.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as the best protection for children. Families uncertain about their vaccination records should speak with a healthcare provider. Childhood immunizations are also available through Fairfax County Health Department clinics and other local resources.
The Health Department and FCPS are separately seeking feedback about school health-room services. The five-minute survey, open through May 5, covers clinics operated by public health nurses and school health aides who care for sick or injured students, administer medication and help manage chronic conditions. Responses will guide service improvements and future planning.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day falls on April 29, with families encouraged to learn the facts and prepare short, direct conversations that teenagers are more likely to hear. Residents could also dispose of unused prescription medications during DEA Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26.
Security pilot reaches randomly selected high schools
FCPS is testing a weapons-detection system at randomly selected high schools during the spring. The pilot is part of the division’s continuing school safety and security work.
Families of students in grades three through 12 can also review results from the social and emotional learning screener administered in March. The assessment examines skills such as goal-setting, emotional management, relationship-building and responsible decision-making, along with whether students feel valued, supported and included at school.
Reports are available in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. Families without active accounts will receive results by mail.
Algebra access expands
FCPS is simplifying the pathway into Algebra 1 Honors for seventh graders as it works toward having more students complete Algebra 1 by the end of eighth grade.
Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test scores are no longer required when students select Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors, although families may still consider the scores when choosing a course.
Students who took the test during the winter were expected to receive reports by the end of April. Those who were scheduled to test but could not finish will be able to opt into a makeup session near the end of the school year.
During the 2023-24 school year, 59% of eighth graders earned a verified Algebra 1 credit, compared with a baseline of 51% averaged across the previous three years.
Summer learning and camps approach
The free FCPS Summer Extravaganza is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 10 at Woodson High School. Educational activities, community resources, face painting, a fire truck tour and student performances are planned.
A student-program marketplace will sell items created by students, with proceeds supporting their programs.
Registration is also underway for FCPS summer camps and enrichment opportunities. Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts programs will run during July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Transportation will be offered from selected middle and high schools, and registration closes June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp gives 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 six through 11 a deeper look at career fields and related skills.
The Institute for the Arts provides two- or three-week programs for students currently in grades six through 11, with nearly 90 choices spanning art, dance, music, theater, and health and physical education 9. E-IFTA offers younger students in grades two through five four daily classes involving dance, music, theater and visual art.
Students and staff earn recognition
Five FCPS students received corporate-sponsored scholarships in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s 2025 awards.
Another 182 students were selected for the 2025 All-Virginia Band, Chorus and Orchestra event, held April 24-26.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities honored 13 people and teams with First Class Awards for their work supporting inclusive education and students with disabilities.
Nominations are open through May 19 for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. Created in memory of a founding member of the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee and longtime advocate for families, the award recognizes an employee, student or community member who has improved educational experiences and outcomes for marginalized or underserved students.
FCPS also recognized administrative professionals and its transportation workforce. The division employs more than 1,800 bus drivers and attendants who transport an estimated 131,000 students each day. Among those highlighted was driver Tashima Bradshaw, who works with both small and large buses and helped a student through a difficult situation.
A mother’s search leads to the classroom
Nuril Kingsley, an enhanced autism teacher at Fairhill Elementary School, began learning about autism after noticing that her son Danny was not reaching childhood milestones in the same way as his two older sisters.
Kingsley, who is from Indonesia, moved with her family to the United States in 2005 to find stronger support for Danny, then 4. He enrolled in FCPS preschool and enhanced autism classes, and the family’s experience inspired Kingsley to become a teacher.
Learning continues indoors and outside
Although spring break began April 14 for most of the FCPS community, students at more than 30 schools returned to classrooms for academic support and time with teachers. At Forestdale Elementary School, instructional assistant Swati Rajurkar worked with a student on literacy skills.
At Clearview Elementary School, teacher and certified Virginia master naturalist Jeanne Lukas-Ross has extended lessons outdoors through Get2Green and Eco Clubs. A few years ago, she accepted a part-time outdoor-learning position after her principal asked whether she knew someone suited to the role.
Marshall Road students have meanwhile diverted an estimated 300 gallons of lunch waste into compost each week since January 2023. Nearly 30 tons have been composted through the parent-school effort initiated by PTA President Monica Nuno.
Historical marker remembers the Enslaved 16
A marker unveiled and dedicated at West Springfield High School honors 16 enslaved people whose first names, ages and assigned dollar values appeared in an 1856 property inventory.
The commemoration is part of a broader effort by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and History Commission to illuminate African American history and involve students and community members in historical-marker projects.
FCPS is also working toward becoming a Purple Star division in recognition of support for military-connected students. Reid discussed that effort during her April 10 School Board update and highlighted the FCPS Family Academy’s role in strengthening relationships among families, schools and the community.
Hiring events scheduled
A virtual career fair for instructional positions was planned for 9 a.m. to noon April 26, giving candidates opportunities to network and interview with school representatives.
Transportation job fairs were scheduled for April 30 and May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by events May 6 and May 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A virtual special education information session was set for May 8 from 6 to 7:15 p.m., and a teacher-candidate licensure session was planned for May 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Elementary schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Oakton, Robinson, South Lakes and Westfield pyramids were also scheduled to dismiss students three hours early April 28 as part of the limited early-release Monday program.