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Fairfax County families will receive new assessment summaries this month showing how students ranked statewide on Standards of Learning tests taken from the 2015-16 through 2023-24 school years.
The Student Assessment Summary Report includes a Virginia percentile ranking for each test, allowing families to compare a child’s performance with that of students who took the same assessment in the same year. Reports are already available through SIS ParentVUE Documents. Schools will distribute copies this month to students whose families lack ParentVUE access.
The summaries are designed to help families review performance across tested subjects over multiple years. Parents and caregivers with questions may contact their child’s school.
Budget Presentation and Construction Decisions Approach
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to present the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget during the School Board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 23.
The meeting will be carried on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99, Verizon Channel 11, the division’s YouTube channel and its website. A Spanish-dubbed version will be available through the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
The School Board is also considering the proposed fiscal year 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program. The plan calls for two new elementary schools, renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, along with the relocation of modular buildings.
The proposal was presented at a January 14 work session, when the board also held a public hearing. A vote is scheduled for Thursday, February 6.
Science Fair Seeks More Than 250 Judges
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair needs more than 250 volunteer judges for its Saturday, March 22, event at Robinson Secondary School.
Judges will evaluate projects in fields ranging from plant science to engineering technology. Volunteers ideally should have an advanced degree or extensive academic or professional experience in their chosen category, although all interested people may apply.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and family friends cannot judge a category in which their child, student or friend’s child is competing.
Student School Board Representative Applications Open
Students currently in grades 9, 10 and 11 may apply to become the 2025 student representative to the School Board. The representative advocates for student interests in a nonvoting advisory role but is not a board member.
Applicants must submit a written component by Monday, February 24, and a 30-second candidate video by Wednesday, March 26. Candidates will receive a recording link by email on Monday, March 17. Both components are required to qualify for the election.
Megan Sawant, the current student representative, has also shared a video describing the experience.
South Lakes Math Teacher Receives National Honor
South Lakes High School math teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 teachers and mentors nationwide honored by former President Joe Biden.
The recipients received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching or the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
Schools Target Math Gaps and Reading Skills
During a visit to Poe Middle School on Thursday, January 16, Reid observed several sixth-grade math classes and spoke with teachers and Principal Jason Pannutti.
The school’s math team is reviewing testing data to identify learning gaps and provide strategic help through individual and small-group instruction. Reid also worked directly with students and emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation in mathematics.
The effort supports the school division’s goal of having students successfully complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
At Braddock Elementary School, members of the Annandale High School boys and girls basketball teams are spending Wednesday afternoons mentoring third graders who need additional reading-comprehension support.
For 10 weeks during the winter, the Atoms athletes walk to the elementary school and work alongside younger students on literacy skills in the cafeteria. The program aligns with the division’s goal of having students read at grade level by the end of third grade.
January is also Mentoring Month, and adults interested in guiding young people can explore opportunities to mentor students.
Theater, Performances and Academy Programs Continue
Langley High School staged a production of “Beauty and the Beast” reviewed by Warner Smith of Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Many area high schools participate in the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, known as the Cappies. The program trains theater and journalism students as critics who attend productions at other schools, write reviews and publish their work in local newspapers.
Families can find listings for many middle and high school productions through the Fine and Performing Arts calendar and subscribe for notifications about upcoming performances.
High school academy open houses will continue into February, giving prospective students opportunities to visit classrooms and laboratories and meet instructors and academy counselors.
Academy electives offer career experiences that can include job shadowing, mentoring and internships with local businesses. Students may explore more than a dozen career fields through the programs.
Course Planning Begins for Next School Year
Students entering grades 7 through 12 are meeting with counselors to choose courses for the coming school year. Families are encouraged to participate and consider school-life balance as students plan for academic and personal success.
Graduation requirements and long-term course needs should factor into those decisions. Families can consult curriculum and graduation-planning resources, review school-specific course catalogs and contact school counselors with questions.
Gap Year Fair Set for January 28
School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will hold the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, at Marshall High School.
The event is intended for high school students and families exploring opportunities for the year after graduation. Participants must register through USA Gap Year Fairs.
Families Urged to Discuss Drug Misuse
Families are being encouraged to talk openly with children about underage drinking, opioids and other drug misuse.
More than 80% of young people ages 10 to 18 say their parents are the leading influence on whether they drink. Adults can reinforce their disapproval of drug misuse, show concern for a child’s health and success, provide reliable information and watch for risky behavior.
Families can also help children prepare for situations involving alcohol or drugs by practicing how to decline or arranging a code word a child can text when help is needed.
Virtual Boundary Meetings Offer Four More Chances to Participate
Four virtual community meetings will provide the same information and format as earlier in-person sessions on the Comprehensive Boundary Review:
- Saturday, January 25, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
- Monday, January 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Each Zoom meeting is limited to 400 participants, and advance registration is required to receive an individual meeting link. Language interpretation will be available.
Lunar New Year Brings Student Holiday
Tuesday, January 28, is the final day of the second quarter and will be a full school day.
Students will not attend school Wednesday, January 29, when Lunar New Year coincides with a teacher workday.