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Dear Lee District Families,
We know it has been a confusing few days with multiple messages going out about state laws, masking, what is safe now and what isn’t.
As a leader in our school system throughout this pandemic, the health and safety of students, staff and their families has always been my top priority. I continue to have concerns about the arbitrary nature of the mask optional mandate that came from Richmond prior to health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, my colleagues and I continue to have constitutional concerns regarding the legality of the process and law (Virginia Code Section 22.1-2.1). This law leaves local school divisions no flexibility to address future public health emergencies.
However, we respected our obligation to comply with this law - and therefore stated that we would allow parents/guardians to elect for their children not to wear masks on school property starting March 1.
Early on February 25, the Superintendent sent out guidance stating that our parents and guardians may elect for their children not to wear a mask on school property, and that there would be no formal process required for those who elect for their child not to wear a mask. The messaging included that all adults, including staff, visitors and volunteers must continue to wear a mask on school property until we reach moderate transmission, and remain there for seven days.
However, late in the day on Friday, the CDC released updated health guidance that included new metrics for determining COVID-19 community levels. Based on this new guidance, Fairfax County’s current COVID-19 community transmission level was low.
Based on these new metrics and CDC guidance, starting tomorrow, March 1, FCPS staff as well as parents/guardians of FCPS students will be allowed to make a choice whether or not they will wear a mask to school. In addition, in accordance with CDC guidance, masks will not be required on our school buses or vans.
Masking requirements will remain in place after March 1 for Fort Belvoir Elementary School, due to its location on a military base, and HeadStart and Early HeadStart, due to federal requirements.
We are encouraged by the continued decline in COVID-19 cases in our community. However, we are also committed to keeping our schools safe for all to learn and work in person. Please continue to do your part to maintain a healthy environment by monitoring for illness and staying home when sick.
Stay well,
Tammy
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- Forum (Gatehouse): Tuesday, March 8 - 10 a.m. - Educational Equity Policy
- All-Day Work Session (Gatehouse): Tuesday, March 8 - 11 a.m. - Goal 1 & 2 Reports
- Regular School Board Meeting (Jackson Middle School): Thursday, March 10 - 7 p.m. - FY22 Third Quarter Budget Review; Trust Policy
- Audit Committee Meeting (Gatehouse): Wednesday, March 16 - 4 p.m.
Visit the citizen participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas and handouts.
The meetings can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube page.
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY2023 Advertised Budget Focused on Excellence in Public Education
The Fairfax County School Board has adopted the FY2023 Advertised Budget focused on student achievement and recognition of world-class educators and operational staff.
This budget prioritizes investments that ensure all students receive the rigorous instruction and comprehensive support they need to thrive. 86% of the $3.3 billion budget goes directly to instruction. The budget includes three main areas of focus - Compensation, Opportunity and Access, and Critical Operational Needs.
For more information on the specifics on what this advertised budget includes, click here. Review related work sessions, documents, and other resources on our website.
The Impact COVID-19 Recovery Funding Is Having in Our Schools
Last fall, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools, and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students. Take a look at the impact ESSER III funds are having in our schools.
Your Voice Matters
Your feedback matters! Please weigh in today via our online feedback form (form closes March 4). For more information on the ESSER III grant, please watch this video and visit the FCPS website.
Full Reports on School Spending
Full reports on school spending will be available on the FCPS and school websites soon. Keep reading FCPS This Week for updates.
Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge Returns March 5 at Hayfield Secondary School
After two years of virtual competition, the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge returns live on Saturday, March 5, to Hayfield Secondary School with a public tasting of student dishes and samples from exhibitors. Doors open at 10 a.m. The student “challenge” at the heart of this event is to create healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse school menu items that meet USDA guidelines. This year, students must create plant-forward meals using regionally sourced produce.
Entries are judged by a panel of celebrity chefs, school food professionals, students, and local luminaries. Food Network’s Ellie Krieger will emcee and will be joined by top D.C. area chefs Kevin Tien and Shelby McCrone. Winners in the lunch category are featured in school cafeterias across the National Capital Region the following year. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
More information and a link to register are on the Real Food for Kids website.
Your Path to Becoming an Educator Starts at the FCPS Instructional Job Fair on March 5
Fairfax County Public Schools is dedicated to building the future child by child. Our mission is to inspire and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.
We are looking for outstanding educators and will be holding a Virtual Instructional Job Fair on Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the fair, as well as how to apply, prepare, register, and attend.
Teen Job Fairs Help Students Make the Most of Opportunities
Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways, are invited to attend one of two upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.
Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. The job fairs will be held on Saturday, March 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at West Springfield High School, and Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chantilly High School.
Registration for the job fairs is available online.
Summer Arts Education
All students with an interest in continuing to explore the arts are eligible for two summer enrichment programs. Registration opens on March 1 for the Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) Summer enrichment programs.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (for rising 3rd through 6th graders) and Institute for the Arts (for rising 7th through 12th graders) will be held July 5-29 at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes are offered every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. Both programs have fees, waivers are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
For more information or to register, visit the Summer Learning webpage.
Kindergarten Dual Language Immersion Program Application Deadline Is March 3
The deadline to submit an application for the Kindergarten Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program for the 2022-23 school year is Thursday, March 3. The kindergarten DLI programs are available in Korean and Spanish.
Korean is available at Powell and Spanish is available at Bailey’s Primary, Fort Hunt, Lake Anne, Laurel Ridge, London Towne, and Rose Hill Elementary Schools. More information is available online.
Donate Your Vehicle, Support Students, and Get a Tax Deduction
FCPS’ 13 Automotive Technology programs provide students the opportunity to learn and explore the automotive repair and dealership industry. FCPS, together with The Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE), operates an actual dealership, Student Auto Sales, where the vehicles are sold and students gain real-world experience. We accept cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and almost anything that helps train students. All donations are tax deductible.
To donate a vehicle and help train the next generation of technicians, contact Lyman Rose at lgrose@fcps.edu or 703-220-3515, or by going to the online donation portal.
Multilingual Parent Podcasts: Making the Transition to Middle School
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be both an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and student. In this week’s podcast, hear ways to ease the transition by:
- Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
- Getting to know middle school culture.
- Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
- Offering emotional support to your child.
- Reiterating your family values and expectations.
- Staying involved in your child’s school.
This podcast’s infomercial is about summer camps. It’s not too early to start thinking about summer fun. The FCPS Tech Adventure Camp and the Career and Technical Education Camp are taking registrations for summer 2022.
Listen and subscribe:
Upcoming Performances in Lee District
Mount Vernon High School Choir Concert
Tuesday, March 1 - 7:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon High School - Little Theater
8515 Old Mount Vernon Road
Alexandria, VA
Edison High School Theatre Company Presents: High School Musical!
Join us for all the fun at this family-friendly musical production - all ages welcome! For more information, visit www.edisontheatrecompany.org.
- Date: March 3, 4 and 5 at 7 pm, and Saturday March 5 at 2 pm
- Tickets: Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and under, and $10 for all others. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance (link).
En Español:
Edison Theatre Company presenta: ¡High School Musical!
Únase a nosotros para toda la diversión en esta producción musical familiar: ¡todas las edades son bienvenidas!
Fecha: 3, 4 y 5 de marzo a las 7 de la noche, y sábado 5 de marzo a las 2 de la tarde
Entradas: Las entradas solo cuestan $5 para los niños menos de 13, y $10 para los demás. Se pueden comprar en la puerta o por adelantado en www.edisontheatrecompany.org.
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West Potomac High School Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
West Potomac High School
6500 Quander Road
Alexandria, VA 22307
Calendar Reminder: Two-Hour Early Release on March 3, Student Holiday on March 4
As a reminder, students will be released two hours early on Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4, is a staff development day and a student holiday.
Classes will resume on Monday, March 7. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
Quick Links:
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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