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Most Fairfax County Public Schools were rated “distinguished” or “on track” during the first year of Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework. Every FCPS school remains fully accredited despite the state’s transition to a model that provides less flexibility in measuring student growth.
FCPS credited staff, students, and families for the results.
The standards are poised to become more demanding. In November, the Virginia Board of Education decided to begin changing Standards of Learning cut scores in the 2026-27 school year, leaving the scores unchanged for 2025-26. The higher passing thresholds will be phased in over four years.
Using spring 2025 results as a baseline, FCPS estimates that full implementation could reduce the math pass rate from 78% to 52% and the reading pass rate from 79% to 51%. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed the anticipated effects and proposed revisions to school performance measures at the December 4 School Board meeting.
Winter weather and break preparations
Families should verify their email addresses and cellphone numbers in SIS ParentVUE to receive school delay and closing alerts. Those whose information is correct but who are not receiving notices can call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
FCPS has also assembled winter-break resources covering academic and mental health support, along with county assistance for food, clothing, housing, and other needs. Families can use optional winter activities to combine learning and play during the break or on snow days.
Winter break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Classes resume Monday, January 5. Teachers have been asked not to assign homework during the break, and although long-term projects may be assigned beforehand, nothing should be due immediately after students return.
Elementary schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield, and West Potomac pyramids will dismiss three hours early Wednesday, December 17.
Calendars are available through the 2027-28 school year, and dates, times, and locations have been posted for 2026 graduation ceremonies.
Champions and student achievement
Four teams and one individual captured Virginia High School League Class 6 championships in fall 2025. Another four teams and one individual finished as state runners-up.
Longfellow Middle School’s Science Olympiad team is also continuing a remarkable run. Thirty students meet three times each week to study science and build devices including hovercraft, helicopters, and gravity-powered vehicles. Since 2002, the team has won 19 state championships, including 13 consecutive titles, and has finished as high as fifth nationally.
Airport partnership expands career pathways
An expanded partnership between West Potomac Academy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is expected to give students more work-based learning opportunities.
The partnership will expose students to high-demand careers through hands-on experiences and clearer connections between classroom instruction and future employment. Reid attended the launch during a recent visit to the academy.
Families invited to talk with the superintendent
The final Community Conversation of 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bull Run Elementary School.
Participants will be able to ask Reid questions and share their views. Registration is requested, and child care and interpretation will be available.
Course and graduation planning begins soon
Middle and high school students will begin meeting with counselors in January 2026 to select courses for the following academic year. Families are encouraged to participate and help students weigh their academic strengths, study habits, interests, future goals, personal well-being, extracurricular activities, and other demands on their time.
High school students should also consider graduation requirements and maintain a manageable balance between school and daily life. Families with questions may contact their student’s counselor.
ParentVUE now allows families to monitor progress toward graduation requirements. Students can also consult the Program of Studies and their school’s course catalog for information about 2026-27 choices.
Special education conference seeks presenters
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, “Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools,” will be held Saturday, March 21, at Marshall High School.
International educator and advocate Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address. The event will also include a resource fair and breakout sessions.
Community partners may propose breakout sessions on subjects relevant to FCPS families. Selected presenters must lead both one-hour sessions, scheduled for 1:20 and 2:25 p.m. Proposals are due Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and accepted applicants will receive confirmation by email.
FCPS warehouse moves 24,000 items a year
FCPS warehouse operations took center stage during Reid’s latest update on the strategic plan’s Culture of Equity, Excellence, and Accountability pillar.
The warehouse employs 50 people and serves more than 200 schools and offices. Workers pick up and deliver about 500 items each week, totaling approximately 24,000 annually. The operation uses 13 distribution trucks and nine Pony mail trucks, helping deliver classroom materials such as science kits to students throughout the division.
Support for students’ health
Healthy brain development during childhood and adolescence is shaped by safe surroundings, supportive relationships, sufficient sleep, nutritious food, and regular exercise. Establishing those habits early can strengthen learning, mental health, and the cognitive and social-emotional abilities young people need later in life.
Winter break may also create an opening for families to discuss fentanyl and overdoses with teenagers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to choose a relaxed setting, ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment, and revisit the subject regularly. Teens should know how to recognize a possible overdose and respond if a friend is in danger.
High school students experiencing anxiety, behavioral changes, or difficulties with family and peer relationships may be referred for weekly virtual therapy with a licensed Hazel Health therapist.
Author program explores language and family
Children’s author Gabriella Aldeman will appear on “Meet the Author” at 1 p.m. Friday, December 12, on Fairfax Network Channel 21 and YouTube.
Aldeman wrote the bilingual children’s book “Squawk of Spanish,” in which Max learns to communicate with his Spanish-speaking grandmother and discovers how language can strengthen family connections.
Absences and illness guidance
Families can report full-day student absences through ParentVUE, a school attendance phone line, or the school’s designated attendance email address. School employees will contact a parent or guardian when a student is absent without advance notice.
Parents can review attendance records in ParentVUE. Attendance codes are assigned by school staff to identify why students are absent and determine what support may be appropriate.
Children with mild cold symptoms may attend if they feel well enough to participate. A child should remain home, however, when experiencing severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Families should contact a health care provider in those circumstances.
Western high school name draws thousands of ideas
More than 6,000 proposed names have been submitted for the new high school planned in western Fairfax County.
The suggestions came through a monthlong public comment period involving the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield pyramids. The process included two community meetings, a public hearing, and a survey of parents, caregivers, employees, and students in grades seven through 12.
Staff reviewed the submissions before forwarding them to Reid and the School Board. Reid has presented initial recommendations and will consider feedback from a second round of community engagement before issuing her final choices.
The School Board is scheduled to select the name Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Additional opportunities and notices
FCPS Adult and Community Education is promoting classes and gift cards as holiday presents. Options include computer coding and video-game creation for young teenagers, culinary arts courses, and language classes. Purchases can be made through the ACE website or by calling 703-658-1201.
Virginia’s Standards of Quality require school divisions to notify residents annually that their policies are publicly available. FCPS policies, regulations, and notices are maintained online and revised as needed.
Residents may request a current printed copy of a directive. Historical records are maintained by the School Board office at the Gatehouse Administration Center, which can be reached at 571-423-1075.