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Fairfax County Public Schools families can now use a district-branded mobile app to follow school news, calendars, cafeteria menus, live updates, and notices from individual schools.
The iOS and Android app allows users to view updates without signing in. Families can find it by searching for “FCPS” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the app in her weekly update, which also featured parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
The launch comes as FCPS prepares for a busy stretch of elections, workshops, community meetings, school closures, and student programs.
School bond vote set for November 4
The 2025 school bond referendum will appear on the Tuesday, November 4, ballot.
Bond-funded construction and renovation projects provide space for students and educators. School buildings also serve as recreation sites, polling locations, places of worship, civic meeting venues, and other community gathering spaces.
November resources for families
The Family Academy will offer several virtual and in-person programs during November, including:
- ABA Family Training: Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes, presented in Spanish
- Supporting Your Military-Connected Student in Secondary School
- Moving on to Life in the Community
Family Resource Center webinars will address communication with twice-exceptional children, family involvement in special education, restorative justice at school and home, and ways to improve routines.
Fairfax County is also directing residents affected by federal employment or service disruptions to its Federal Workforce Resource Hub. The county is home to about 80,000 federal employees as well as thousands of federal contractors. The hub serves government workers, active-duty military members, veterans, contractors, nonprofits, businesses, and other residents confronting federal changes or disruptions.
Families needing food, shelter, clothing, financial help, health care, or other assistance can contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Information about receiving or donating food is available through the county’s Emergency Food Access Providers resource.
Students turn imaginary pets into AI creations
At Key Center School, speech-language pathologists used artificial intelligence to transform students’ ideas for fictional class pets into tangible learning experiences.
Each class worked together to design an ideal pet, including creations such as a Dazzle-Winged Octo-Poodle. The schoolwide activity was intended to strengthen communication, build vocabulary, and give students a greater voice in learning.
FCPS will continue the conversation about artificial intelligence during “Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI and The Future of Learning.” The event is scheduled for Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Springfield High School. It will include an interactive expo, partnerships with major AI innovators, keynote presentations, and discussions about the future of education.
Student talents take center stage
South County High School junior Mary Moore, described by administrators as a quiet and academically focused student, performs baton-twirling routines at South County football games. Her achievements have earned recognition beyond the local community and in global rankings.
At Holmes Middle School, students are reviving cursive writing through a club devoted to the traditional handwriting style. Participants say cursive helps them academically and teaches a practical skill they can use outside school.
Paola, an autistic FCPS graduate, found academic, personal, and career momentum through a personalized cookbook project built around her interests. Her progress was supported by her family, teachers, and school system.
A recent classroom activity at McNair Elementary School gave kindergarten students another hands-on learning opportunity. Children removed seeds from a pumpkin, counted them, and practiced math skills.
Resource fair will help students prepare for adulthood
Students with disabilities and their families can explore post-high-school options at the annual Moving on to Life in the Community resource fair.
FCPS, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services will hold the event Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria.
The fair will cover supported employment, day support programs, recreation, residential living, advocacy, and funding. Successful transitions to graduation and postsecondary opportunities are part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 5, Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Families asked to complete federal survey
FCPS is asking every family to submit a Federal Impact Aid Survey as soon as possible.
The digital form is located in SIS ParentVUE under “Online Packets” in the upper-right corner after login. Beginning Wednesday, November 12, schools will give paper copies to families that have not completed the survey online.
Families without an active SIS ParentVUE account can register to gain access to the survey, grade reports, and other student information.
Employee recognition highlights exceptional support
Massogbe Sangare, an instructional assistant at Hayfield Secondary School, was among the summer FCPS CARES of the Month honorees.
Her nominator praised her care for students receiving special education services and said she consistently provides extra support to students, teachers, and administrators.
Other honorees were Jim Bailey of Sideburn Support Center; Elizabeth Baxter of Herndon Elementary School; Jackie Garcia and Melissa Lopez of Woodburn Elementary School; Marie Sauer of Fort Hunt Elementary School; Ken Wheeler of Keene Mill Elementary School; and Gisele Gray of Fairfax High School.
Classes offer families a way to reconnect
FCPS Adult and Community Education is encouraging parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships with teenagers and young adults through shared classes.
Options include knitting, woodworking, world languages, artisan Neapolitan pizza and focaccia, and baking a Bûche de Noël, a traditional French Christmas cake. Families may enroll together or purchase gift cards for future classes.
Youth survey finds improving mental health
The 2024-25 Fairfax County Youth Survey found that mental health among FCPS students is improving, Reid told the School Board during its Academic Matters presentation.
The comprehensive annual survey is anonymous and voluntary. It asks students about their behaviors and experiences, along with factors that may increase risks or offer protection. Reid’s presentation included a testimonial video featuring FCPS employees.
Final October boundary meeting focuses on Scenario 4
The last community boundary review meeting of October is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Chantilly High School cafeteria.
A consultant will present the newest draft map, known as Scenario 4, and explain proposed changes affecting the Westfield and Chantilly pyramids. Participants will be able to ask questions and may attend in person or virtually after registering for the appropriate format.
In-person attendees can arrive 30 minutes early to examine the map through the Boundary Explorer Tool. A limited number of FCPS laptops will be available, with employees present to help. Virtual attendees may also join 30 minutes early for assistance using the tool.
Reid separately presented information about the planned western high school, including four draft boundary scenarios.
Start-time changes postponed until at least 2027-28
The School Board has directed the superintendent to delay any divisionwide changes to K-12 school start times until no earlier than the 2027-28 academic year.
Key dates ahead for FCPS families
Friday, October 31, is the final day of the first quarter. Students will be released two hours early.
The gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will close at 4 p.m. October 31 for end-of-quarter processing. It is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, November 10.
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 2, when clocks move back one hour.
Students will not attend school Monday, November 3, because of a school planning day or Tuesday, November 4, because of a teacher workday.
All schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
Specialized services support students with sensory disabilities. FCPS provides educational support for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.
Services may be delivered at a student’s school or through itinerant specialists who travel among multiple campuses. The Virginia Department of Education also offers resources for schools and families serving students with sensory disabilities.