Opening of School Newsletter
Dear Friends,
I hope the first several weeks of school have gone well for you and your family. I’ve enjoyed seeing many of you at Back to Schools Nights, Welcome Walks and other events during the busy early days of the school year.
During our September 27 School Board meeting, Superintendent Brabrand presented his Opening of Schools Report, which is filled with excellent news! All FCPS schools but one (Ft. Belvoir Primary) are fully accredited by the state. There was a significant decrease in the number of unfilled teacher positions as we started the year, despite a nationwide shortage of teachers. We are adding salad bars at our elementary schools and increasing recess time for our little ones.
Below are some items that may be of interest:
Fiscal Forecast
FCPS is fully funded in FY 2019 for the first time since 1995, enabling us to continue to raise teacher salary scales to make them more competitive during a time when school systems across the country are concerned about a teacher shortage. The Board, which works on the budget pretty much year-round now, received a FY 2020 Fiscal Forecast at our Sept. 27th Board meeting. The forecast shows we can expect a financial gap between our expected revenue and anticipated needs for FY 2020, but not to the extent we had during the height of the recession. Our enrollment continues to grow but not by the thousands of students we were seeing a couple of years ago.
I continue to focus on raising teacher pay as well as insuring that our high-needs schools receive extra resources through needs-based funding formulas. These resources can provide for more teachers and lower class sizes at schools with higher poverty, English language learners and special needs students. I’ve advocated for including student mobility rates into the formula, since high mobility also creates challenges for students and schools. The Board conducted a work session on mobility and has asked staff to explore making this a factor in our formula.
New Ombudsman
I’m a long-time advocate for creating an Ombudsman position for our school system and am delighted to report that we now have one! Welcome to Ombudsman Armando Peri, formerly principal at Pine Spring Elementary School, who opened the Office of Family and Student Ombudsman on August 1.
The Ombudsman is a resource for anyone with an unresolved concern or complaint anywhere in the school system or simply needing guidance on where to go to get help on an issue. The conversations are confidential, and the ombudsman will serve as a neutral advocate for fairness, equity, inclusion, and fostering positive working relationships. The office is equipped to provide assistance for parents and students in any home language. Mr. Peri himself speaks fluent Spanish. Please check out this new office and this video in English and in Spanish.
If you would like assistance from the Ombudsman, please call 571-423-4014 or email to ombudsman@fcps.edu.
What makes a school great?
Most online ratings are based on average test scores and tell you little if anything about the actual quality of a school or how well it will serve your child. Here's a link to my recent article on the subject:
There’s More to
Area Schools Than Just Online Ratings
Sexual Misconduct Resolution
The Board on Sept. 27 approved a Resolution denouncing sexual misconduct such as “unwelcome sexual behavior, physical interactions, statements or online exchanges” by students or school system personnel and outlining a series of actions to address the issue: leading a cultural change to make clear throughout our school system that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated; insuring that all suspected incidents of sexual misconduct are investigated immediately, protective measures implemented and appropriate disciplinary action taken; continuing to require sexual misconduct prevention education for students and staff; surveying students on their experiences; and using research and best practices to review and update our policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct.
All of our students and employees need to know when they come to school that they are in a safe and caring environment, free from harassment. Students and others also need to know where to go for help. While students and parents should be able to go to any adult at their school for assistance, ultimately the school principal should be made aware of concerns so he or she can act quickly. In addition, anyone wanting to report instances of sexual misconduct may contact our new Title IX Coordinator Bryan Gibson in the Department of Human Resources Office of Equity and Employee Relations at 571-423-3278.
Justice High School Free Bus Pass Program
 Justice High School stidemts are excited to receive their free bus passes
All Justice High School (JHS) students can get free bus passes through a pilot program launched in September by Fairfax County and WMATA. Students simply need to fill out a form, which is available at school, to receive a student SmarTrip card that provides free trips on specific Metrobus routes in Northern Virginia, Fairfax Connector buses and Fairfax City CUE buses.
The program, announced at a press conference at JHS on Sept. 17, will help students get to and from after-school jobs, appointments, events or other activities and will give them experience in using public transportation.
For more information: or to see the Video: Student Bus Pass Program at Justice HS
Free School Meal Program
For the first time, Fairfax County is participating in a federal program that provides for free breakfast and lunch for all students at certain schools where many of the students qualify for free- and reduced-priced meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). I’m pleased that several of the 19 elementary schools selected serve Mason District students: Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, Bailey’s Primary ES, Bailey’s Upper ES, Glen Forest ES, Parklawn ES, Weyanoke ES, and Woodburn ES. Students at these schools don’t have to provide proof of eligibility to benefit from the free breakfast and lunch program every school day, but families that do qualify are urged to fill out FRM applications by Oct. 10 to receive other benefits.
New Principals
Welcome to our new Poe Middle School principal Jason Pannutti. Mr..Pannutti started his new
assignment on October 1st after an outstanding tenure as principal of Bren
Mar Park Elementary School. We're glad he's staying in Mason District!
The
selection process for a new Bren Mar principal will begin shortly. In the
meantime, it’s a pleasure to welcome Bren Mar Park Interim Principal Pamela Morgan,
who retired as Principal from Fairhill ES in 2017 after 30 years of
service.
EVENTS
Justice High School Rededication
 Elected officials, FCPS staff and students partcipated in the Justice High School Rededication Ceremony
Many thanks to Rep. Gerry Connolly and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax for joining us for the Justice High School Rededication Ceremony on Sept. 7, 2018, and to the many dedicated volunteers who made the evening possible. Donated portraits of Justice Thurgood Marshall, Barbara Rose Johns and Col. Louis G. Mendez Jr. were unveiled at the ceremony, and Rep. Connolly presented a United States flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to Principal Maria Eck. See excerpts and the full ceremony.
Falls Church High School Pyramid PTA Event
Wednesday October 10th
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Falls Church High School
All families who live in the Falls Church HS pyramid are invited to a get-together at FCHS 7521 Jaguar Trail
Falls Church, VA This will be a chance to meet others in our area and hear about the great things going on throughout the pyramid, including programs and opportunities at Jackson Middle School and FCHS.
International Walk to School Day
Wednesday October 10th
For the seventh consecutive year, FCPS students will participate in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 10.
The day is celebrated as a way to promote physical activity while reducing traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Students are encouraged to walk or bike to school where safe to do so or walk to their bus stops. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school and to work with their schools, PTAs, or PTOs to gather in groups for the event. Check here to see if your school has organized a schoolwide effort.
Taste of Annandale
Saturday October 13th
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tom Davis Drive
 Come out and meet your neighbors at the fourth annual Taste of Annandale. This family-friendly and pet-friendly street festival is being held along Tom Davis Drive in the heart of Annandale, VA. There is no charge to attend.
The Taste of Annandale features live music and dance, food trucks, restaurants, 5K race, best-dressed pet contest, chili cook-off, photo booth, games, and a full-program of children’s entertainment.
The certified 5K Race will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Kmart parking lot, 4251 John Marr Drive. Runners can register online here. For more information, visit the Taste of Annandale website.
Annual College Fair and College Night
Sunday October 14 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Monday October 15 7:00 - 9:00 pm
FCPS is sponsoring the 2018 College Fair from 7:30-9:30 pm on October 14 at Fair Oaks Mall, and College Night from 7:00-9:00 pm on October 15 at Hayfield Secondary School.
Both events provide opportunities for college-bound students and their families to gather information from a variety of schools. Approximately 300 colleges and universities are represented, including two- and four-year colleges, international colleges, and military academies.
Details are available here.
FACEing the Future
Saturday, October 20th
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Thomas Jefferson High School
for Science and Technology
Sponsored by the Fairfax County Council of PTAs, in partnership with FCPS Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement, the Family and Community Engagement conference seeks to foster connections between parents, students, educators, school administrators, education advocates, business, and community leaders to address issues vital to the academic success and well-being of our children. Family and community engagement are critical components to student success.
Workshops include: Engaging Military Families, Effective Two-Way Communication, Special Education Updates, Parent Liaison and Community Outreach, and Title I Schools, among others.
All are welcome! For more information, click HERE.
News YOU Choose
School Updates & Events
You can receive news updates from any of our schools, the School Board, the Superintendent, and others. Access News You Choose to select your personal interests.
To get information on upcoming School Board meetings, Work Sessions and Committee meetings, go to this link.
How to Reach Me
I’m always happy to hear from constituents, especially students and parents.
The best way to reach me is at my direct email address, ssevans@fcps.edu or by phone at 571-423-1083.
You may also contact my Executive Administrative Assistant Kathy Partlow kfpartlow@fcps.edu or at 571-423-1064 for immediate assistance.
I hope everyone enjoys the cooler fall days and the rest of this quarter.
Sandy
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