May 2018 Newsletter
The end of the school year brings many mixed emotions -- the
excitement of year-end celebrations, the stress of SOL and finals
testing, the pride in knowledge and skills gained, and the satisfaction
of personal goals achieved. For some families, this year will be remembered as
the year your child learned to read, or mastered their multiplication tables.
For some it’s the first time your child has played an instrument, auditioned for
a play or made a varsity team. And for others, this is a year when your
child’s hard work will be acknowledged with their name announced, a walk across
a stage, and the presentation of their High School diploma.
Whereever your family finds itself on their journey through
FCPS, I encourage you to stay active and involved in your child's education. Enjoy these last few weeks of school by celebrating your child, their
efforts and their many talents.
FY 2019 Budget
I always say that strong schools make a community strong - and in
order to keep our schools strong - we must invest in them. Our schools
play a huge part in creating a vital and vibrant Fairfax County. We
here in FCPS are privileged to have an outstanding team of professionals
working for our students' success. We have long been committed to hiring
and retaining the best teachers- for as we know, it is the teacher who is
the heart and soul of the classroom. Unfortunately, for many years, we
have endured budget cuts and frozen salaries which have left us losing ground
to neighboring jurisdictions who were able to offer more competitive salaries.
This year our budget was developed with an intentional
commitment to invest in our employees - particularly our teachers. This week, the
Board
of Supervisors (BOS) adopted the FY 2019 budget at its May 1 meeting, which
fully funds the $2.9 billion requested from FCPS. I thank the BOS for their
collaborative efforts to fully fund our school division’s FY 2019 request. When
we invest in our schools, we invest in our children. With this budget, we are
investing in our students and protecting their access to an
outstanding education . We are investing in our teachers by providing
competitive salaries that will help retain top talent. The School Board is
hopeful for this progress to continue for years to come. Our students, parents,
employees, and entire school community benefit when we work together to fund
our schools.
To stay engaged throughout the budget process, visit the FCPS website. I also encourage you to attend a budget public hearing, scheduled for May 15 and May 16 (if the second is needed) at Luther Jackson Middle School. The Approved Budget will be adopted during the May 24 Regular School Board meeting.
 Franconia Elementary students celebrated International Day by wearing clothes from different cultures, greeting each other in different languages, and sharing artifacts from different countries.
Congratulations to Lee HS for being named the 2018 National School Library Program of the Year by the American Association of School Librarians! This Award honors school library programs that empower their students and staff to be effective users of ideas and information in a constantly changing school and library environment. Literacy efforts are infused into every corner of the school through strong leadership and community engagement. One outstanding example is the recent school-wide Hour of Code event offered in multiple languages, providing open access to this computer science introduction. Students and staff also came together recently to read Congressman John Lewis’s Civil Rights memoir, “March.” The librarians led book discussions, helped teachers develop lessons, and created supporting video and art to enhance participation.
Congratulations again to Lee HS, and co-librarians Mimi Marquet and Lisa Koch, for creating effective thinkers, readers, and researchers with their innovative ideas and programs. Lee HS will receive $10,000 toward its school library program and will be honored in June at the American Library Association’s annual conference in New Orleans.
View the FCPS video featuring the Lee HS Library.
Edison HS was recently awarded by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) with a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. ASCA recognizes schools that provided comprehensive, beneficial, data-driven counseling that supports student achievement, collaborates widely with the community, and connects to the expressed goals and missions of the school.
Currently, twenty-four FCPS school counseling programs have active RAMP certification. Edison HS, along with four other FCPS schools, will be recognized at the July ASCA national conference in Los Angeles. Congratulations to all Edison counselors and thank you for the support you provide!
 The Lee High Lancer Singers earned a Gold rating at a choral festival in Philadelphia and have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
West Potomac Governor's Health Sciences Academy was recently awarded a $37,500 grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to purchase upgraded equipment for their program. West Potomac Academy will purchase six zSpace systems, adding to the one single system they currently have. These computers use 3D technology that combines elements of augmented and virtual reality to simulate lifelike experiences. The grant will increase access to include 400 students across the health sciences programs.
FCCPTA Scholarships: Ask your Seniors to apply now!
Fairfax
County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA) is proud to offer scholarships ranging from
$500 - $1,000 to graduating Fairfax high school students with an active
PTA/PTSA in good standing as of June 30, 2018.
Scholarships
are awarded not solely based on academic achievement or financial need, but
also on a demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, community service. The
number of scholarships awarded each year depends on proceeds from various
scholarship fundraising activities.
Applications must be received by May 11, 2018.
APPLY HERE!
 Kindergarten students are ready for their close-ups on picture day at Bush Hill Elementary.
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