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*Please excuse the duplicate email, we inadvertently missed additional performances at Lewis High School, West Springfield High School, Key and Sandburg Middle Schools - see updated information below - more theater for you to enjoy!
Dear Franconia District Families,
Spring is here and that means our high school and middle school theater productions are in full bloom! I am always amazed at the exceptional talent of both our student casts and crews! Please see below for the listing of shows you can catch this coming weekend and next.
Last Saturday, I had the great joy of being one of the “Guest Spellers” at Edison High School's production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. Thank you to Mr. Jeffrey Walker, Theater Arts and Film Studies Teacher and Cristy Quigley Gallagher, Edison’s Theater Booster President for asking me to play a part in this wonderful musical. Shout out to Dr. Kendria Boyd, Edison’s Assistant Principal and Benjamin Hemmens, an Edison Math Teacher the other very talented “Guest Spellers”! And the biggest thank you to the student cast who helped me every step of the way!
 From Left to Right: School Board Member Tamara Derenak Kaufax, Franconia District Representative, Mr. Benjamin Hemmens, Mr. Jeffrey Walker, and Dr. Kendria Boyd.
Here’s a small clip of the very difficult word that I aced!
I hope you will get the chance to see one of the terrific productions playing here in Region 3! Have a great weekend!
Upcoming Region 3 Theater Productions
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Edison High School
Edison Theater Company (ETC) presents the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
This award-winning musical comedy will be performed on April 22 at 2pm and 7pm.
Click here to purchase tickets! $10 for adults / $5 for students. All seats general admission
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Hayfield Secondary School
Hayfield Dramahawks will be performing Anything Goes.
Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets are $12.
Performance Schedule
April 27 through April 29 at 7pm
May 4 through May 6 at 7pm
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Lewis High School
Lewis Theater presents Legally Blonde this weekend.
Friday, April 21 at 7pm
Saturday, April 22 at 7pm
Friday, April 28 at 7pm
Saturday, April 29 at 7pm
Sunday, April 30 at 2pm
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Mount Vernon High School
MVHS Theater Arts programs presents Disney's Beauty and The Beast.
Thursday, April 27 at 7pm
Friday, April 28 at 7pm
Saturday, April 29 at 1pm
Saturday, April 29 at 7pm* (*Alumni Night!)
Click here to buy tickets.
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West Potomac High School
WPHS Theater Arts Program presents Legally Blonde the Musical.
Thursday, April 27 at 7pm
Friday, April 28 at 7pm
Saturday, April 29 at 1pm and 7pm
May 3 through May 5 at 7pm
Click here to purchase tickets.
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West Springfield High School
WSHS Theater presents Something Rotten.
Thursday, May 4 at 7pm
Friday, May 5 at 7pm
Saturday, May 6 at 7pm
Sunday, May 7 at 2pm
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Key Middle School
Patriot Performers Theater Company will be performing James and the Giant Peach, Jr. this May 5th and 6th.
Purchasing details can be found at this MySchoolBucks Link. Email Ms. Promisel with any questions at apromisel1@fcps.edu.
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Sandburg Middle School
Sandburg Middle School Theater presents Footloose: Youth Edition
Friday, April 21 at 7pm
Saturday, April 22 at 1pm and 7pm
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Twain Middle School Theater
Twain Theater will be performing their spring performance The Wind in the Willows.
Thursday, April 27 at 7pm
Friday, April 28 at 7pm
Saturday, April 29 at 2pm and 7pm
Click here to purchase tickets.
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2023 6th Grade All County Choral Festival
 In case you missed it, I wanted to share with you the 2023 6th Grade All County Choral Festival.
I want to thank all of our FCPS music teachers for giving the gift of music to so many of our students.
To watch the full choral festival program, click here or on the image above.
Thank You for Your Service, Military Families
 April is the Month of the Military Child. Here in Fairfax County, we are extremely fortunate to have over 14,000 students who are part of a military family as well as part of our Fairfax County Public Schools family.
Military families in the FCPS community share their stories and show their support for all military connected youth in our schools. These students and families face unique challenges, and demonstrate a great deal of resilience and strength. We would like to say, “Thank you for your service,” to all who serve and protect our country, and their families.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter.
ESSER III COVID Relief
 FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding beginning in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
FCPS is seeking feedback on how well the school division is responding to the ESSER III focus areas including:
- Ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
- Maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
- Addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
Please provide your feedback on this form. Your response will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.
Watch the video above and read this story about how ESSER funds recently helped Timber Lane Elementary School celebrate a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Day.
The School Board will hear public comment on FCPS’ ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Register to speak.
Spring 2023 ESSER/Return to School Survey
Student and family feedback is critical to our understanding of the successes and challenges of teaching and learning this year. Please check your email for a survey link from Fairfax County Public Schools, which was sent on April 17. The survey asks questions about satisfaction with teaching and learning, perceptions of support for learning, and how things are going this school year.
This data collection effort is part of FCPS’ ongoing study of what is working and what needs improvement following the pandemic. Information gathered will be used along with other data to make improvements that support schools, students, and staff. The survey will close on Monday, May 1.
Volunteers Wanted to Join the Citizens Committee Supporting Passage of the 2023 School Bond Referendum.
A citizen’s committee supporting the 2023 School Bond Referendum is forming and seeking volunteers. The committee’s general duties will be sharing information that supports passage of the bond to HOA boards, chambers of commerce, and other organizations; and distributing information electronically and in print.
This is an organized, positive, and short-term way to support Fairfax County Public Schools. Along with the distribution of information, the volunteers will be invited to strategize on approaches and execution at 6 to 9 meetings between late May and Election Day, November 7, 2023. The meetings take place in the Tyson’s Corner Area.
School Board members are accepting names of interest Fairfax County residents. To be considered, please contact my Executive Administrative Assistant, Cheryl Austin, for details before May 11, 2023.
New Event: Fentanyl and Other Drugs in FCPS - A Community Conversation with Free REVIVE! Narcan Training
 Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
FCPS will hold a second event with new information focused on the opioid crisis in Fairfax County Public Schools. The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Families and students will learn how, as a community, we can partner to reduce the impact of these harmful—and often deadly—drugs. All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
Childcare will be available. Transportation will also be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.
Safety and Security Town Hall
On Monday, May 8, FCPS will hold a town hall to discuss our approach to safety and security and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools. Please stay tuned for additional details.
Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released their annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications from prospective freshmen or transfer students for fall 2023. Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid, as well as unfilled housing.
Additionally, NACAC has created an enrollment deposit fee waiver request form that is considered by some institutions for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Families can learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility on the NACAC website. Students and families may contact their school counselor, and college and career specialist with any questions.
Spring Assessments Measure Student Learning and Progress
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes standardized benchmark assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL), Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. It also includes progress assessments like iReady tests and performance assessments to demonstrate a student’s strengths and competencies. A list of assessments for each grade level provides the spring dates for required tests. Remember that assessment is part of ongoing teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers may also assign end-of-year projects or final exams for certain subjects or courses.
Schools set dates for each assessment and communicate schedules to students and families. Parents and caregivers can help students perform their best by reminding them to get a good night’s rest and have a healthy breakfast on testing days. It is important that students attend school on these dates. If you become aware of a conflict that could result in your student missing a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Please also keep in mind that spring assessments do not signal the end of coursework for the year. Learning continues through the last day of school. In addition to details shared by each school, details about spring student assessments are also available online.
Register for the Special Education Conference
 The 18th annual FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Registration is now open for this virtual event. Watch this short video for information about guest speakers and other important details. Registrants who would like language assistance may contact FCPS' Parent Information Phone Lines.
Tutor.com Is Available for K-12 Students
 Does your student need help with homework or preparing for a test? Remember, FCPS students still have no-cost access to Tutor.com 24/7. If you have questions about the service, please view this FAQ.
How to Register for Pre-K or Early Head Start
 Fairfax County offers pre-K for students 3-4 years old whose parents meet income requirements. Early Head Start is for infants, toddlers, and expectant mothers who meet income requirements. To register, parents or caregivers should:
- Complete the application form.
- Make a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a residency document (lease, deed, or mortgage).
If your child is selected for one of the programs, the following will need to be completed:
- A school physical.
- Dental exam.
- Fairfax County public school registration forms.
A family service partner will be assigned to guide families through the entire application process. Find out more on the Early Childhood Education webpage, or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Child Find Screenings
Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs as well as educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find screenings and services are provided by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services program for children ages 20 months through 5 years, who live in Fairfax County or Fairfax City. Learn more on the Child Find website.
Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space
The FCPS Trust Policy supports a continued commitment to foster a caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families in our schools. The policy ensures FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials.
Unto Every Person There is A Name
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) will be hosting their local community's annual Yom Ha'Shoah remembrance in honor of the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust and of the survivors and liberators among us. You can join virtually on Sunday, April 23, 1:00 PM. Click here to sign-up.
Many of my colleagues, other local delegates and several students participated in a video presentation called "Unto Every Person There is A Name" in honor of the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. You can watch this presentation below.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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