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Fairfax County Public Schools families have new ways to track graduation progress, build safer digital habits and explore career-focused courses as the division heads toward winter break.
A new Graduation Status feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE now shows progress toward Standard or Advanced Studies diploma requirements. It is available for high school students and middle school students taking at least one high school course.
Families can find the tool by signing in, opening Course History and switching on Graduation Status. Course history and unofficial transcript options remain available. Questions about graduation requirements should be directed to the student’s school counselor.
Online safety and computer science
FCPS Intervention and Prevention Services will hold a Family Café workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, in the Chantilly High School library.
The hands-on session will cover social media platforms and apps popular among students, strategies for starting conversations about internet safety and seven digital-safety topics that remain relevant from kindergarten into adulthood.
Computer Science Education Week also begins next week. Families can use free FCPS resources to continue computer science learning throughout the school year and explore how STEAM and computer science programs connect students with future careers. Some digital resources require parental consent.
Career and technical programs take center stage
Rising and current high school students can learn about academies, specialty programs and Career and Technical Education courses during a Pathway Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria.
Central office leaders and academy counselors will explain CTE programs, courses and opportunities available across the school division. Families can also review the schedule for academy open houses or contact Bonnie Wannett with questions.
Superintendent conversations scheduled
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is continuing a series of Community Conversations where families can share feedback and ask questions. Each event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Friday, December 5, at Churchill Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, December 9, at Fairhill Elementary School.
- Thursday, December 11, at Bull Run Elementary School.
The conversations are open to everyone, with child care and interpretation available.
In her weekly reflections, Reid also highlighted activities around the division, including Rocky Run Middle School’s production of “Lion King Jr.”
Western high school name moves closer to a vote
FCPS has reached the midpoint of choosing a name for its new high school in western Fairfax County.
A monthlong public comment process focused on staff and families in the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes and Westfield pyramids. It included two community meetings, a public hearing and a survey that generated more than 6,000 suggestions.
After reviewing the submissions, Reid was scheduled to present recommendations to the School Board on Thursday, December 4. A second monthlong comment period begins Friday, December 5, and the board is scheduled to select the name on February 12, 2026.
Boundary review and budget discussions continue
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met November 24, followed by a November 25 update from Reid. At its December 4 meeting, the School Board was scheduled to discuss how boundary changes could be phased and how transportation might be affected.
The board’s regular business meeting begins at 7 p.m. Other agenda items include secondary course offerings, the 2026 state and federal legislative program and the fiscal 2026 midyear budget review.
The School Board also met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. FCPS is preparing its fiscal 2027 budget while emphasizing the school system’s role as one of Fairfax County’s largest employers and a major purchaser of local goods and services.
Astronaut returns to his elementary school
North Springfield Elementary School students recently met George C. Nield, who traveled to space aboard a Blue Origin mission in 2022.
Nield told students that space travel was not beyond their reach and revealed his own connection to the school: He attended North Springfield during second and third grade.
Special education advocate recognized
FCPS marked National Special Education Day on December 2 by recognizing employees and families who support students receiving special education services.
Among those highlighted was Raquel Joyner, special education chair at Quander Road. Joyner received the division’s Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee award last year for her work advocating for students.
Employees honored for exceptional care
Amy Marketos, a counselor at Falls Church High School, was among the September FCPS CARES of the Month recipients. Her nomination described how she supported a student facing serious health challenges, including visiting the student’s home and sharing an encouraging message.
Other honorees were Rue De La Bay and Maged Gerges of the Facilities and Maintenance Satellite Office; Ken Junge, Felecia Allen and Faye Cofer of Colvin Run Elementary School; Jae Lemeshewsky of Sandburg Middle School; Hope Song of Colin Powell Elementary School; Joni Fraundorfer of Franklin Middle School; Alicia Fyfe of Forestdale Elementary School; and staff members at Forestdale Elementary School.
Community members may submit recognitions for employees who go beyond their regular duties to support others.
Volunteer rules temporarily adjusted
Volunteer FCPS allows community members to create profiles, register for opportunities and complete volunteer orientation. Volunteers must use the school visitor kiosk to sign in and out.
Because of strong community participation, FCPS has temporarily paused fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. People already fingerprinted will continue to be processed so they can participate in all Level 3 opportunities.
All applicants must affirm that they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children or other serious misconduct. Field trip chaperones are now classified as Level 2 volunteers and do not need a comprehensive background check.
December calendar changes
Monday, December 8, is Bodhi Day, a religious and cultural observance recognizing the Buddhist holiday. Schools will remain open, but events that cannot be rescheduled will not be held. FCPS provides reasonable accommodations for religious obligations, with questions handled by the Office of Equity and Employee Relations at 571-423-3070.
On Wednesday, December 10, elementary schools in the following pyramids will dismiss students three hours early:
- Annandale
- Edison
- Falls Church
- Herndon
- Lake Braddock
- Langley
- Madison
- Marshall
- McLean
- South Lakes
- West Springfield
- Woodson
Winter break runs from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. Teachers have been asked not to assign homework during the break. Long-term work may be assigned beforehand, but nothing will be due immediately after the holiday. Classes resume Monday, January 5, 2026.
FCPS is also reminding families that absences typically rise before and after winter break and can disrupt student learning.
Food and winter reading resources
More than 96,000 Fairfax County residents experience food insecurity. County resources are available for people seeking food assistance, shelter or other human services, as well as for residents who want to help.
Fairfax County Public Library’s Winter Reading Adventure is underway through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Participants can register at a local branch or online and learn about prizes and seasonal events, including gingerbread-house activities, crafts, New Year’s Eve celebrations and book discussions.