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Fairfax County Public Schools reached a major milestone this fall, with nearly three-quarters of its schools now recognized for supporting military-connected students and their families.
The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children named 49 FCPS schools as first-time 2025 Purple Star Schools. Another 40 schools renewed the designation.
FCPS now has 145 Purple Star schools. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid has set a goal of earning Purple Star Division status by the 2026-27 school year, which would require every FCPS school to receive the designation.
Families Asked to Complete Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking families to submit a Federal Impact Aid Survey for every school-aged child in their household as soon as possible.
The electronic form is available under Online Packets in SIS ParentVUE. Beginning Wednesday, November 12, schools will distribute paper forms to families that have not completed the survey online.
FCPS expects to receive about $4 million in federal Impact Aid this year. The money supports schools and centers throughout the division.
Families needing help with ParentVUE or the online survey may submit a Parent Support Request ticket, choose SISParent from the application menu and enter “Federal Impact Aid Survey” as the issue description. Assistance is also available through the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277.
Start Times and New High School Headed to Board
The School Board will receive a brief update on the K-12 school start times project during its regular meeting Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m.
The project grew from a contract awarded in January 2023 to study middle school schedules and develop options for later starting times.
Board members are also expected to discuss the new high school acquired in western Fairfax County. The board held an October 7 work session about the school’s possible programming and name. An item opening the matter for public comment is being added as new business for the October 23 meeting.
Report Cards Will Include Work Habits Marks
The first quarter ends Friday, October 31, and middle and high school report cards are expected to become available during the week of November 10.
Teachers will use revised comments intended to give students and families more detailed feedback. They will also assign a quarterly Work Habits mark addressing time management, organization, assignment completion and overall classroom effort.
The Work Habits mark is meant only as family feedback and will not appear on students’ transcripts.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will close at 4 p.m. October 31 and reopen at 6 a.m. November 10 while first-quarter grades are finalized.
Youth Survey Scheduled for November
Students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 are scheduled to take the 2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey between Monday, November 10, and Friday, November 21.
Administered each fall by the School Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the survey examines issues affecting students’ physical and mental well-being. Topics include sleep, exercise, nutrition, protective factors, substance use and symptoms of depression.
Schools will notify parents and caregivers about their plans. Families may choose to opt their students out of participating.
Team Teaching Highlighted at Kilmer
During a visit to Kilmer Middle School, Reid observed an algebra lesson taught jointly by an algebra teacher and librarians.
FCPS tracks successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade as one measure of its academic growth and excellence goal.
Fairfax Schools Capture National Sustainability Honors
Forty-four FCPS schools earned Green Flag School recognition from the National Wildlife Federation this year, accounting for nearly half of all schools receiving the honor nationwide.
The distinction recognizes exceptional sustainability education and youth leadership on environmental issues. Lemon Road and Terra Centre elementary schools were among those highlighted for their work.
Veteran Driver Marks Nearly 32 Years on Same Route
National School Bus Safety Week brought attention to the drivers, attendants, mechanics and other transportation employees who move thousands of students each day.
Jannell Haskins has transported students for nearly 32 years while remaining on the same route. She serves South Lakes High School, Hughes Middle School, Dogwood Elementary School and Terraset Elementary School.
Thomas Jefferson Applications Open
Eighth graders interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics may apply to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, and submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, November 14.
Substance-Use Prevention Events Planned
The Family Resource Center and Office of Student Safety and Wellness will hold a Red Ribbon Awareness Open House from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, October 24.
The program is intended to help adults speak with children about substance use. Narcan training will be available, followed by an opportunity to tour the Family Resource Center library and review selected materials.
National Drug Take Back Day follows on Saturday, October 25. Unused or expired medications may be dropped off for free, confidential disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Year-round disposal options are also available for prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
How School Bond Projects Make the Cut
FCPS staff, the School Board and community members update a five-year Capital Improvement Program annually to identify school construction and renovation priorities.
Expected enrollment, academic programs and building conditions all factor into those decisions. The board then weighs school needs against other countywide demands when developing a bond proposal.
Projects may shift from year to year as the school division’s needs change, even though FCPS generally attempts to follow the capital plan. The school system says its buildings have a combined present value approaching $9 billion and require continuing investment as facilities age and instructional and technological needs evolve.
The 2025 bond referendum will appear before voters on Tuesday, November 4.
Six Boundary Review Meetings Remain
Six community meetings are scheduled through the end of October as FCPS continues its comprehensive boundary review. A consultant will present the latest draft map, known as Scenario 4, and explain proposed changes affecting the pyramids covered at each session.
The remaining meetings are:
- Friday, October 24, at Lewis High School for the Edison and Lewis pyramids.
- Saturday, October 25, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Sandburg Middle School for the West Potomac and Mount Vernon pyramids.
- Monday, October 27, at Irving Middle School for the Lake Braddock and West Springfield pyramids.
- Tuesday, October 28, in the Fairfax High School library for the Woodson and Fairfax pyramids.
- Wednesday, October 29, at McLean High School for the Madison and McLean pyramids.
- Thursday, October 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Chantilly High School for the Westfield and Chantilly pyramids.
Meetings not otherwise noted will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each offers in-person and virtual participation.
Attendees may join 30 minutes early to explore the draft using the Boundary Explorer Tool. A limited number of FCPS laptops and staff assistance will be available at the meeting sites, while virtual attendees may receive an online demonstration.
Early Releases and November Closures Ahead
Elementary schools in the Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss students three hours early Wednesday, October 29.
Friday, October 31, is the final day of the first quarter and will bring a two-hour early release for students.
Schools will be closed to students Monday, November 3, for a school planning day and Tuesday, November 4, for a teacher workday.
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry also remains available to provide the public with information about people convicted of specified violent and sexual offenses.