Article Text
Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for its 70th Annual Regional Science Fair while opening applications for early childhood programs and introducing six student-selected breakfast options.
The March 5 updates also include opportunities to comment on budgets and instructional materials, student honors, upcoming events and schedule reminders.
Regional Science Fair Marks 70 Years
The Regional Science Fair will return to Robinson Secondary School from March 21 through March 23.
The public can view high school students’ projects during an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23.
Meanwhile, Fort Belvoir Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week by inviting service members, including Master Sgt. Holly Gilmore, to read to students.
Early Childhood Applications Open
FCPS said its proposed fiscal 2026 budget supports academic growth and the school system’s goal of giving every student a strong start. That effort includes bringing children with different abilities together in pre-K classrooms.
Qualifying Fairfax County families with economic and educational risk factors can apply for FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs. The programs serve children from 6 weeks through 4 years old.
Pre-K gives priority to 4-year-olds but also considers children who will turn 3 by September 30. Early Head Start operates at Clearview, Crestwood and Dogwood elementary schools, accepting applications from expectant mothers and parents or guardians of children ages 6 weeks to 2 years.
Space is limited and awarded according to need rather than application order. Families may apply online, by email, through the mail or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue in Falls Church. Application questions can be directed to 703-208-7900 in English or 703-208-7901 in Spanish.
Fairfax County presented its advertised fiscal 2026 budget plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. Residents can respond through an online survey, email, telephone calls or county budget town halls.
Families Encouraged to Discuss Fentanyl
FCPS is urging parents and caregivers to speak with teenagers about fentanyl and other drugs, including what to do if a friend overdoses.
The school system recommends choosing a relaxed, distraction-free setting, asking open-ended questions, remaining patient and withholding judgment. Families should begin these conversations early and revisit them regularly.
FCPS also recognized school social workers who address social, emotional and behavioral barriers that can interfere with students’ success.
Oakton Teens Pursue Oral Cancer App
Four 16-year-old friends who met through Oakton High School’s robotics team are developing an app intended to help address oral cancer.
The students are seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Apple Store to market the app as a wellness tool. They hope it can eventually reach billions of people worldwide and transform cancer detection.
Separately, students from 27 county public schools received the 2025 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County for their work as peacemakers.
Public Can Review New Math Materials
FCPS plans to introduce new mathematics instructional resources in secondary schools during the 2025-26 school year and in elementary schools during 2026-27.
Community members can review the proposed materials and submit comments. Hard copies are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Friday, March 21, at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 100. In-person review will be unavailable March 11 and March 12.
Feedback will go to the review committee and the county’s elected education board before a vote expected in spring 2025.
Coffee Cart Builds Skills at Poe
About 15 students participate in Poe Middle School’s Coffee Cart program, which multiple disabilities teacher Renee Ruggles launched in November.
Ruggles developed the initiative after talking with other multiple disabilities teachers about strengthening students’ functional abilities. By serving people they might not otherwise meet at school, participants practice social interaction, professionalism and confidence.
Family Summit Focuses on Belonging
The free 2025 FCPS Family Summit, “Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging,” will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School.
The in-person gathering, an extension of the Special Education Conference, is open to families, educators and community members. Childcare will be offered, with special education employees available for children who have high support needs. Families can request childcare during registration.
Employees Recognized for Going Further
Erica Moore, a multiple disabilities teacher at Union Mill Elementary School, was among the December 2024 and January 2025 FCPS CARES honorees. The recognition program allows families, employees and community members to commend staff members who go beyond their usual duties to help others.
Moore’s nominator described her as someone determined to make each child’s day brighter and give struggling students moments of hope, confidence and belief in themselves.
Other recipients were Lori Posner of Virginia Hills Early Childhood Center; Lauren Drew of Cunningham Park Elementary School; Abby Parsons of Beech Tree Elementary School; Lainie Abrams and Jennifer Stoneburg of West Potomac High School; Carlie Oddo-Bennett of Eagle View Elementary School; and Laura Steib of Columbia Elementary School.
Six New Breakfast Choices Reach Schools
FCPS introduced six freshly baked breakfast items during National School Breakfast Week. Students helped select the additions through the annual student food show, surveys and focus groups.
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services has served 3.3 million breakfasts so far this school year. Printable breakfast and lunch menus are available online.
Job Fair and Schedule Reminders
FCPS will hold an instructional job fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Registration is required. The division is also advertising positions in finance, information technology and office support.
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9, when clocks move forward one hour. Because more students may walk to school or bus stops before sunrise, families are encouraged to use bright or reflective clothing and backpack accessories. Children should also watch carefully for turning or reversing vehicles and avoid running into streets or crossing between parked cars.
On Monday, March 10, elementary schools in the Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, Lake Braddock, West Springfield and Woodson pyramids will dismiss three hours early under the limited early-release schedule.