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Fairfax County Public Schools is heading toward summer with new learning opportunities, expanded family support and a national honor for its music education programs. The school division’s April 29 update also highlighted mental health services, academic gains and several upcoming community events.
Music programs earn recognition
The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation named FCPS one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education.
The recognition comes as the school division celebrates more than 50 years of its All-County Sixth Grade Choral Festival, which brings hundreds of young singers together to perform.
FCPS will also recognize cafeteria employees on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 1. Transportation workers were thanked following School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 28.
At Fairfax Villa, reading specialist Lisa Choi received the FCPS CARES of the Quarter award. Choi has earned Educate Fairfax grants for two consecutive years, including funding this year for literacy bags that students can take home. The project is intended to give families greater access to quality books and encourage parents to participate in their children’s learning.
Summer learning registration opens
Families can explore FCPS programs during the free Summer Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Woodson High School. The event will feature hands-on STEM, arts and creative activities, a Student Market, community partners and information about summer learning.
Registration for Career and Technical Education and Fine and Performing Arts camps remains open through Friday, June 5. The programs will operate in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with bus service available from selected FCPS schools.
Tuition assistance is available for families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Families may also register students for a new aftercare option running from 2 to 5 p.m.
Available programs include Tech Adventure Camp, a one-week experience introducing current kindergarten through fifth-grade students to STEAM, culinary arts, health, trades, business and marketing.
The CTE Summer Academy gives students in grades six through 11 a week to explore career fields and build practical skills. Younger arts students can attend the Elementary Institute for the Arts, where kindergarten through fifth-grade participants take daily classes in dance, music, theater and visual art.
The Institute for the Arts offers nearly 60 art, dance, music and theater classes for students currently in grades six through 11. Rising ninth graders may also take Health and Physical Education 9 through the program.
Production Camp is a four-week theater intensive for students in grades six through 11. Participants choose performance or technical theater tracks and work together to rehearse, design and build a musical for a public presentation.
Family services prepare for relocation
Several services based at the Dunn Loring Center will move permanently to the Pimmit Hills Center while the Dunn Loring building is renovated and returned to school use.
The Family Resource Center will close Monday, May 4. The final day for student registration appointments at Dunn Loring is Friday, May 8, followed by the last early childhood testing appointments on Friday, May 15. The services are scheduled to reopen at Pimmit Hills on Monday, June 1.
Families can also reach FCPS information lines in nine languages. An employee will respond in the caller’s preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, to answer questions or connect families with school staff and other resources.
Nearly 500 people attended this year’s free, in-person Special Education Family Conference—more than twice the previous attendance. The gathering brought families and educators together with community partners and included recognition of First-Class Award recipients.
Family Resource Center liaison Amal Elsayed was among the employees assisting attendees. Her work includes listening to families, providing translation and helping them participate as partners in their children’s education.
Teachers build stronger student connections
Paul Arena, an intellectual disabilities teacher, alumnus and coach at Robinson Secondary School, was highlighted for helping students form connections inside and outside the classroom. His work includes the partnership class and Partner’s Club, which bring students with special needs together with peers in general education. Arena was an Outstanding Secondary School Teacher finalist last year.
At Navy Elementary School, school-based technology specialist Chrissy McLaughlin continues to advocate for child safety in memory of her son, Zach, who died as a result of child abuse. For two decades, she has used her family’s experience to help protect other children and emphasize that every child should feel safe, loved and cared for. Her advocacy carries particular meaning during April, Child Abuse Awareness Month, which is represented by the color blue.
FCPS is also urging families to seek help when students struggle with attendance near the end of the academic year. Parents and students can contact a teacher, counselor, administrator or another trusted adult at school.
More eighth graders reach Algebra 1
Daily work in problem-solving and early algebra from kindergarten through sixth grade is helping more FCPS students prepare for advanced mathematics.
Across all student groups, the number of eighth graders taking Algebra 1 increased by 18% over the past three years. The growth was discussed during an Academic Matters presentation at the April 23 School Board meeting.
Mental health help remains available
FCPS high school students can receive virtual therapy at no cost for concerns including anxiety, grief, changes in mood or behavior, motivation, bullying, social skills, family and peer relationships, and academic stress.
A guardian or designated school employee may refer a student. Families can begin the process by calling 571-749-2940 or contacting a school counselor, social worker, psychologist or director of Student Services.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers additional youth services, including individual and family counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response and recovery programs. Its Entry and Referral office can be reached at 703-383-8500 or [email protected].
Students and parents can also call or text 988 for free, confidential help from trained crisis counselors after school hours. The service assists people facing mental health or substance-use crises, as well as those concerned about a loved one, and is not limited to suicidal thoughts. Recent reports cited by FCPS indicate an 11% decline in youth suicides since 988 launched. Emergencies should be directed to 911.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day was observed April 29. Families are encouraged to learn the facts about fentanyl and prepare brief, direct conversations that are more likely to hold teenagers’ attention.
Job fair, active travel and adult training ahead
FCPS will hold a virtual job fair for prospective special education and STEM teachers from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2. Participants can network and interview with school representatives, with special education information sessions scheduled for 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Bike and Roll to School Day follows on Wednesday, May 6. The national event encourages students, families and teachers to bicycle or walk together, promoting exercise, reducing vehicle traffic and demonstrating demand for safer active routes to school.
FCPS Adult and Community Education is also marking National Apprenticeship Week by offering $100 discounts on selected online skilled-trades courses. Certification programs are available in plumbing, electrical work, HVAC and welding, and eligible students may also qualify for scholarships or payment plans.