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Fairfax County Public Schools has a name for its newest high school, following a unanimous School Board vote on February 12. The school will be called Skyview High School.
The decision leads a busy stretch for FCPS featuring student honors, academic competitions, summer registration, community events and several approaching deadlines.
Students earn regional honors and tackle real-world challenges
FCPS teams captured five of the top eight awards at the Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition, which combines the Fairfax, George Washington and Northern Virginia chapters of Virginia’s MATHCOUNTS program.
More than 1,100 students from 25 FCPS high schools also participated in the Seize the Moment Student AI Innovation Challenge, presenting technology designed to address real-world problems.
Grand-prize winner Emmanuel Beakal, a ninth grader at McLean High School, created MyCompass. The AI-powered bot provides users with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Beakal received a $1,000 Amazon gift card funded through a grant.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted additional student achievements in her latest Weekly Reflections, including Mountain View High School’s winter graduation ceremony.
At Chantilly Academy, juniors and seniors in the Teachers for Tomorrow program transformed shoeboxes into models of future classrooms. Their dioramas included reading nooks, flexible seating, calm-down corners and photo labs, encouraging students to consider how physical spaces and student needs influence teaching.
Teachers for Tomorrow is a Virginia Department of Education-approved program for high school juniors and seniors considering careers in education.
FCPS is also promoting Back to Fairfax, a Grow Your Own initiative connecting career and technical education with job shadowing, internships, work-based learning and other experiences intended to prepare students for possible employment with the school division.
Black history takes center stage
Music teacher Riccardo Emilien has drawn on his New Orleans upbringing and marching-band experience to teach students about what he calls the “living rhythm of Black history.”
Families and community members can continue that celebration at FCPS’ second annual Black History Month event. “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence” is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, at Carter G. Woodson High School.
Student-rights survey nears deadline
Parents, caregivers and middle and high school students were invited by email to complete a voluntary, confidential survey about proposed changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities document for the 2026-27 school year.
The survey closes Friday, February 20. Participants can find access information in their email, including spam folders, while students should check their FCPS accounts.
Magnet lottery and post-graduation opportunities approach
Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary and Bailey’s Upper elementary magnet schools offer enhanced programs in science, technology and the performing arts.
Bailey’s Elementary and Bailey’s Upper will hold a joint information night from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 19. Registration for the 2026-27 elementary magnet lottery runs from Friday, February 27, through Friday, March 27.
High school students considering alternatives for the year after graduation can attend a virtual Gap Year Fair co-hosted by FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas. The event is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 24.
Summer camps open registration
Registration is underway for FCPS summer camps and academic programs.
Career and Technical Education and Fine and Performing Arts camps will operate in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be offered from selected FCPS schools, while eligible families receiving free or reduced-price meals can seek tuition assistance.
New this year, students attending these camps may register for aftercare from 2 to 5 p.m. Registration remains open through Friday, June 5.
Tech Adventure Camp is a one-week program for current students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It introduces STEAM, culinary arts, health, trades, business and marketing.
The CTE Summer Academy gives students in grades 6-11 a week to explore career and technical education subjects, build skills and investigate possible careers.
Elementary Institute for the Arts offers weekly programming for students in grades K-5. Campers take four daily classes spanning dance, music, theater and visual arts.
Institute for the Arts serves current students in grades 6-11, with nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music and theater. Rising ninth graders may also take Health and PE 9 through the program.
Production Camp is a four-week theater intensive for students in grades 6-11. Participants join performance or technical-theater tracks to rehearse, design and build a musical before presenting it publicly.
High school students can also complete the required Economics and Personal Finance course through a self-directed summer option. Registration is open through June 5.
The Summer Online Campus offers eligible middle and high school students opportunities to earn high school credit. Available subjects include mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies and world languages. That program also has a June 5 registration deadline.
Schools bring athletics to more students
Greenbriar East Elementary School is staging Olympics-inspired physical education classes. After a ceremonial cauldron lighting, teams of four race across the gym in “bobsleds” made from gymnastics mats stacked on scooters.
At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, baseball players have launched an adaptive clinic that brings together young athletes from across Northern Virginia to practice their skills.
Digital support and volunteering expand community connections
A recent School Board strategic-plan presentation focused on the Department of Information Technology and its role in Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships. Reid shared a video illustrating how the department supports students, educators and families through reliable systems, accessible digital tools and responsive assistance.
Volunteer FCPS gives community members a central place to locate and register for opportunities throughout the division. Volunteers must create a profile, register for opportunities through the system and use school visitor kiosks to sign in and out. An orientation is also available through the volunteer website.
Science fair seeks more than 250 judges
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will take place Saturday, March 14, at Robinson Secondary School.
More than 250 judges are needed to review projects in fields ranging from astronomy and plant science to biomedical engineering. Judges should have an advanced degree or extensive professional or academic experience in their selected category.
Parents, teachers and family friends may not judge a category involving their child, student or a family friend’s child. Qualified volunteers must create an account and register by Sunday, March 8.
Spirit day and early dismissal set
Students, teachers and staff are invited to wear bright outfits and tropical clothing for a divisionwide spirit day on Thursday, February 19.
On Wednesday, February 25, elementary schools in 13 pyramids will dismiss three hours early: Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield, West Potomac and the schools within those designated pyramid schedules.