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Fairfax County families whose children took Standards of Learning tests between the 2015-16 and 2023-24 school years are receiving new reports showing how each student ranked against peers across Virginia.
The Student Assessment Summary Report includes a state percentile ranking for every applicable test, allowing families to review performance across tested subjects over multiple years.
Reports are available in SIS ParentVUE Documents. Schools will distribute copies during January to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Families with questions may contact their child’s school.
Superintendent set to unveil proposed budget
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 FCPS YouTube channel and the school system’s website. A Spanish-dubbed version will be available through the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
Science fair seeks more than 250 judges
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair is seeking judges for its March 22 event at Robinson Secondary School.
More than 250 volunteers are needed to evaluate projects in fields ranging from plant science to engineering technology. Prospective judges should have an advanced degree or substantial academic or professional experience in their chosen category, although anyone interested may apply.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and family friends cannot judge a category in which their child, student or friend’s child is competing.
Students invited to seek advisory School Board role
Students currently in grades nine through 11 may apply to become the 2025 student representative to the School Board. The representative advocates for FCPS students in a nonvoting, advisory role but is not a School Board member.
Applicants must submit a written component by Monday, February 24. A 30-second candidate video is due Wednesday, March 26, with candidates scheduled to receive recording links on Monday, March 17. Both components are required.
Megan Sawant is the current student representative.
South Lakes math teacher receives national honor
South Lakes High School math teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 teachers and mentors nationwide recognized by former President Joe Biden.
The honorees received either 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 January 16, Reid observed sixth-grade math classes and spoke with teachers and Principal Jason Pannutti.
The school’s math team is reviewing test data, identifying learning gaps and providing individual and small-group support. The work aligns with the school system’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 help with reading comprehension.
For 10 weeks during the winter, the athletes and elementary students work together on literacy skills in the school cafeteria. The program supports the goal of having every student read at grade level by the end of third grade.
January is also Mentoring Month, and adults interested in guiding FCPS students can explore volunteer mentoring opportunities.
Theater, arts and construction plans move forward
Langley High School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” was reviewed by Warner Smith of Lake Braddock Secondary School through the Washington-area Cappies program.
The program trains high school theater and journalism students as critics. Participants attend productions at other schools and write reviews for publication in local newspapers. Families can also subscribe to the school system’s Fine and Performing Arts calendar for notices about upcoming middle and high school events.
Meanwhile, the proposed fiscal year 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program outlines new construction, renovations and capacity projects across the school system.
The plan includes two new elementary schools, renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, and the relocation of modular buildings.
The proposal was presented at a January 14 School Board work session, followed by a public hearing that day. The board is scheduled to act on the plan Thursday, February 6.
Course planning and academy events continue
Students entering grades seven through 12 are meeting with counselors to select courses for the next school year. Families are encouraged to participate while considering graduation requirements, long-term academic plans and students’ balance between school and personal life.
School-specific catalogs, curriculum information and graduation-planning resources can help guide those decisions. Families may also contact their student’s counselor.
FCPS high school academy open houses will continue into February. Students can tour classrooms and labs and meet instructors and academy counselors. Academy electives cover more than a dozen career fields and may include job shadowing, mentoring or internships with local businesses.
Gap Year Fair scheduled at Marshall High School
FCPS 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 options for the year after graduation. Registration is available through USA Gap Year Fairs.
Families urged to discuss alcohol and drug misuse
Families can play a central role in discouraging underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of people ages 10 to 18 say their parents are the leading influence on whether they choose to drink.
Adults are encouraged to communicate their disapproval of substance misuse, show concern for their child’s well-being and provide reliable information about alcohol and drugs.
Families can also help young people prepare for difficult situations by practicing ways to decline substances or establishing a code word a child can text when help is needed. Additional information is available through FCPS opioid-awareness resources.
Virtual boundary meetings have attendance caps
Four virtual community meetings remain scheduled as part of 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.
The sessions will offer the same format and information as the earlier in-person meetings. Registration is required to receive an individual Zoom link, and each meeting is capped at 400 participants. Language interpretation will be available.
Lunar New Year brings a day off for students
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, because Lunar New Year coincides with a teacher workday.