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Dear Lee District Families,
In honor of the more than 14,000 students, our families and staff, I would like to share a video capturing the moments and our pride in the amazing Class of 2021. They persevered through a pandemic, toggled between virtual and in-person instruction, and missed time with friends and family. Through it all, they found ways to connect, to create, and to celebrate their amazing achievements.
I want to thank our parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators, and staff members for their support, flexibility, and unwavering dedication to our students! And of course, to all our hardworking students-thank you for your adaptability, perseverance, resiliency, during the past year!
For our returning students, I hope you are able to relax, recharge, spend time with family, and come back ready for a strong return to school with five days of in-person learning on the first day of the 2021-22 school year, Monday, August 23.
Have a Great Summer!
Tammy
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- Tuesday, July 13 at 10 am - All-Day Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600)
- Thursday, July 15 at 7 pm - Regular School Board Meeting (Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium)
Join the Citizen’s Committee Supporting Passage of the 2021 School Bond Referendum
A citizen’s committee supporting the 2021 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, volunteers are invited to strategize on approaches and execution at 6 to 9 meetings between July and Election Day, November 2 in the Tyson’s Corner Area.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please send an email to my assistant, Cheryl Austin. For more information or questions, please contact
Jay Garant at jpgarant@fcps.edu.
Seeking Applicants for the School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
I am seeking an appointee to represent the Lee District on the School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). This committee assists with the development of health policy in the school division and evaluates the status of school health, health education, school environment, and health services. The committee meets monthly and appointees serve a one-year term.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email a brief statement on why you are interested, along with a copy of your resume, to my assistant, Cheryl Austin. For questions, please call 571-423-1069.
Congratulations to the John R. Lewis High School Lancer Varsity Soccer Team
 Congratulations to the Lewis High School Varsity Soccer Team! They had an excellent season this year. They won 10 games in their regular season. They advanced on to win both their National District Championship and Region 5C Championship games.
The team traveled to Roanoke, VA for the Virginia Class 5 semi-finals and beat Patrick Henry High School on penalty kicks, after their best player (Team Captain & Regional Player of the Year-Christian Cruz) left the game with an injury in one of the overtimes. His teammates outscored their opponents in penalty kicks 4-2.
Unfortunately, they lost against First Colonial High School in the State Championship game in Virginia Beach. Even though the Lewis Lancers were without their best player, the team and Coach Millward (Regional Coach of the Year) gave it their absolute best, they represented the Lewis Lancers and should be extremely proud of their amazing season. Way to go Lancers!
Returning Strong - Five Days this Fall
The school year has ended, but FCPS staff are hard at work preparing for the 2021-22 school year ahead. FCPS is reflective of the impact the pandemic has had on our students, families and staff. We are making every attempt to address potential concerns around these impacts to ensure we meet the needs of our students this fall.
FCPS staff are reaching out to families who left FCPS during the pandemic with phone calls and in-person visits, and we are ready to see our students back in-person in the fall. In this short video, two of our principals share how home visits keep them connected to virtual students and give them the opportunity to encourage unenrolled families to come back to FCPS.
Fairfax County School Board Nominates Three Fairfax County Businesses to 2021 VSBA Business Honor Roll
The Fairfax County School Board nominated three Northern Virginia businesses to the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Business Honor Roll for their support of K-12 education. The businesses—the Capital Area Food Bank, Cox Communications and Cox Business, and Synetic Theater—were recognized at the Board’s regular business meeting on Thursday, June 24. Read the full news release here.
Updated Mask Guidance for FCPS Students and Families
 We have updated guidance regarding the use of face masks while on school property in accordance with Executive Order 79. This guidance impacts our staff and students attending summer enrichment programs, extended learning, as well as camps or other school-based activities.
Indoors On-School Property
Executive Order 79 requires that all individuals wear a mask while indoors on school property. We are asking that masks or face coverings be worn by all students, faculty, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
This includes all activities on school property beyond education, including School Board meetings and concerts, graduations, voting, attendees at performances, etc. Social distancing is not required.
Outdoors On-School Property
Executive Order 79 permits individuals outdoors on school property to remove masks in accordance with CDC guidance.
Fully vaccinated students, teachers, staff, and visitors may remove their masks or face coverings. Six feet social distancing is not required.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may remove masks or face coverings outside if they can maintain at least six feet distance. If the individual cannot maintain six feet social distancing, it is recommended they wear a mask.
Note: Mask exemptions as outlined in Executive Order 79 continue to be applicable (e.g. while eating or drinking) and are consistent with exemptions implemented during the 2020-21 school year.
FCPS Offers Mental Wellness Consultations This Summer
Now through August 6, any Fairfax County parent or guardian may schedule a 45-minute consultation by phone or video conferencing with a school psychologist or school social worker to get support needed to help your child. Read here for more information.
 Free Meals Available Throughout the Summer, June 28-August 5
FCPS is committed to providing all students access to no-cost meals over the summer months at meal kit sites and on bus routes. Each site and bus route will offer meal kits containing seven days of breakfast and lunch. Please note that locations of the meal distribution sites and all bus routes have changed from the school year plan.
Summer Meal Kits
- Summer meal kits will be offered on Mondays at 10 sites throughout the county beginning June 28 and ending August 2.
- Please note that meal kits will be distributed on Tuesday, July 6, due to the Monday, July 5 holiday.
- Meal kits contain 7 days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk.
- The meal kits will be available for pick up from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. or until supplies are exhausted.
- All meals are available at no-cost to all FCPS students and children eighteen (18) years of age and under.
- Parents and caregivers may pick up food for children and adults may purchase kits for $28.
Meal Kit bus routes
- Meal kit bus routes will run June 28 through August 5.
- Buses will run weekly routes throughout the community distributing meal kits, containing seven days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk.
- The buses will not distribute meals on a daily basis. The bus stops are weekly and run Monday-Thursday only.
- Please note that on Friday, July 2, Monday bus routes will operate to cover the Monday, July 5, holiday.
- Meal kits are available at no-cost to FCPS students and children eighteen (18) years of age and under.
- Parents and caregivers may pick up food for children.
- Adult meals will not be available for purchase on the bus routes.
 FCPS Honors Recognizes 2021 Outstanding Employees
FCPS Honors Ceremony Recognizes 2021 Outstanding Employees
FCPS honored its 2021 Outstanding Employees at an event held at Jiffy Lube Live.
The awards, sponsored by the Department of Human Resources, recognized more than 700 employees in both instructional and operational roles. This year, 74 finalists, representing twelve categories, were recognized in the exciting awards ceremony. Learn more about what makes these winners special. View All 74 Nominees.
School Board Recognizes Juneteenth and Celebrates June as Pride Month
At a recent School Board Meeting, the Fairfax County School Board read a resolution acknowledging the historical significance and importance of Juneteenth. Real the full press release here.
In addition, the School Board also recognized June as Pride Month and shared a recognition at this meeting, as well. Read the full press release here.
Teaching Teens to Stand Up to Peer Pressure this Summer
Did you know there are changes in law that take place on July 1? Among the many changes passed by the General Assembly is one that legalizes marijuana possession for people over aged 21. More information on this update can be found here. What does this change in law mean to your child?
While you might have talked to your kids at length about the dangers of drug use, this change in law could provide another reason to dialogue with your child. FCPS’ Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) staff post videos and resources online that can help parents navigate discussions and learn more about these issues. Continue to check this page for more information on marijuana legalization updates, parent tips and other evolving substance-related information.
Having a genuine relationship with your teen is a key component of any drug prevention strategy. Here are a few other ways you can help your child withstand the peer pressure to use drugs.
 Important Immunization Requirement: Do You Have a Student Entering Seventh or Twelfth Grade This Fall?
Add this to your summer to-do list. While the COVID-19 vaccination is NOT required by schools for the 2021-22 school year, many other vaccinations are mandatory.
Seventh-grade students need:
- One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given at age 7 or older.
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 10 or older.
Twelfth-grade students need:
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 16 or older.
More information on new immunization requirements is available online.
 Technology Help Desk Remains Open This Summer
The Parent Technology Help Desk will continue to support parents and students over the summer months. Help Desk agents can be reached at 833 921-3277 (833-921-FCPS) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Outside of those hours, parents can also visit the Parent and Student IT Support Portal to find self-help resources or submit a tech support request ticket.
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.
© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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