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Dear Lee District Families -
This week has been a most difficult one for our country as another senseless act of gun violence has taken the innocent lives of 19 young students and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Yesterday, CNN reported that in 46 weeks this year, there have been 45 school shootings in the U.S. As a nation, we must do better. We cannot allow these violent acts to become the norm for the children in our schools. There are wide and varied opinions as to how best to solve this crisis, but I know for certain, we must collectively come together and take action to protect the children in our schools.
As a school board member, I can help to control portions of this problem. Here in FCPS our safety and security teams are top notch professionals and consequently we have one of the most advanced school security systems in the nation. We make critical safety upgrades to our buildings each year. However, we cannot be complacent. Last night, when we adopted our budget, I introduced, along with Stella Pekarsky, a follow-on motion directing the Superintendent to conduct a holistic review of safety and security protocols and procedures in all FCPS buildings which received unanimous School Board support. We also passed language requiring the completion of our security vestibules in the front of each of our schools.
Below you will find more information about gun violence prevention, as well as, student safety and wellness.
I know it's challenging as we share the grief for the Uvalde community when we are also trying to celebrate our students' successes with end of the year recognitions, promotions and graduations. I am proud to be honoring our graduates through our upcoming commencement ceremonies.
To all our Graduates -- be bold, kind and courageous. Pursue your passions and dare to live your dreams! I wish you all the best as you leave your FCPS family and move onto the next adventures in your lives.
Stay well,
Tammy
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2023 Budget
For the fourth year in a row, Fairfax County leaders have shown a commitment to public education by supporting a budget that funds Fairfax County Public Schools’ key initiatives of student success and a premier workforce.
The County transfer increase of $102.6m, for a total of $2,275.3b, will support investments that show our employees they are the critical piece in helping our students thrive. Eighty-six percent of the $3.3 billion budget will go directly to instruction.
Attracting and retaining the best instructional and support staff, including bus drivers, remains critical to student success. The budget includes a 4% Market Scale Adjustment (MSA) for all employees, along with a step increase for eligible employees, a salary scale extension to all scales, and market improvements to our bus driver and family liaison salary scales. A small adjustment in the budget will support a County initiative to provide affordable housing so that teachers and staff can live where they work.
“This budget means we can provide our employees the kind of compensation they need – not just to survive, but to thrive in the current economy,” says Superintendent Scott Brabrand. “We continue to get tremendous support from the County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Bryan Hill for our unique needs and to allow us to fully realize all of our key priorities.”
Additional system wide professional development on new curriculum and skills development, and planning time for elementary schools will allow school based staff to spend time reviewing formative and summative assessments to prepare for targeted instruction and provide students with more timely feedback, preparing and organizing materials for differentiated instruction, and communicating with families.
In line with its key priorities, the budget includes funding for multiple initiatives that support students in critical areas of need, including a lead special education teacher at all elementary schools, an increase in school-based family liaisons, investments in staff recruitment and retention and additional supports for student mental health, wellness, and safety. The budget maintains school counselor positions that would have otherwise been reduced due to a decrease in student enrollment. The School Board also directed the Superintendent to conduct a holistic review of safety and security protocols and procedures in all FCPS buildings, as well as prioritizing completion of the security vestibule program.
FCPS and Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force initiatives are represented in the budget with funding to support carbon neutrality, electric buses, Safe Routes to Schools, the Get2Green program, and other sustainability programs.
“This robust post-pandemic budget, which focuses on staff compensation and strengthening student academic supports, represents hope for our FCPS community,” says Stella Pekarsky, School Board Chair and Sully District Representative. “We are grateful for the continued close collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors for their support in keeping our schools safe, effective, and welcoming places for students to learn.”
See the full budget.
Condemnation of Gun Violence in Schools
Earlier this week, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, experienced a horrifying act of violence which resulted in the tragic loss of 21 innocent lives; 19 children and two teachers. Many more were injured. We share in the grief and frustration that follows these far too common events. Read our complete statement.
Gun violence and school shootings are complicated topics that affect each of us in different ways. The following resources may be helpful as we all process yesterday’s events:
Resources from the National Association of School Psychologists:
Because of the potential for both intended and unintended threats to our schools, FCPS has focused a great deal of attention to emergency procedures and is vigilant about protecting the safety of its students and employees. The school division has spent considerable time and effort in planning and practicing day-to-day safety and security measures, as well as addressing the response to a major critical incident. Among these measures are:
Building Safety
- Physical security (Locked doors, intrusion alarms, electronic door access, CCTV).
- Visitor Management System and Procedures (Deployed system-wide).
- Emergency planning coordination with police, fire, and emergency management offices.
- Uniformed school security patrols (24/7).
- SROs at all middle and high schools.
- FCPS security personnel at all middle and high schools.
- Comprehensive division-wide crisis management plan.
- Individual school crisis plans-updated annually.
Safety Training
- Lockdown, Fire, and Tornado Drills.
- Safety training and Table Top exercises at all schools.
- Critical incident terms awareness and training (Lockdown, Secure the Building, Shelter in Place, Stay Put Stay Tuned).
- Employee training in crisis management and communication. (Lockdown, Evacuation, and “Run, Hide, Fight”).
- Mandatory annual safety training for all students and staff.
Safety Procedures
- Threat assessment process.
- Confidential tip, text, and email programs.
- Systemwide emergency alert systems.
Safety and security is everyone’s job. Staff, students, parents, and the community at large are reminded to incorporate safety and security awareness as routine, and to immediately report any unusual activity to the authorities. Know that we take the safety and security of all students very seriously, and additional information regarding our programs can be found on our Safety and Security website.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
Best of luck to the Class of 2022 as you begin your next adventure. I am looking forward to celebrating with you at your upcoming graduation.
 
Share Your Graduation or Promotion Ceremony Photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram
Graduation season is here! FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures from this year's graduation or promotion ceremonies on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram by tagging FCPS and using the hashtag #fcpsgrad22. We will retweet and share some of the photos.
The 2022 FCPS high school graduation schedule, including dates, times, and locations, is available online.
Superintendent Joins Community for Virtual Town Hall
On Tuesday, May 17, incoming Superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. was joined by families, employees, and community members for a multilingual virtual town hall. Dr. Reid answered questions submitted by audience members on many topics including equity, student success, student and employee social/emotional health, and more.
Watch the highlights of the May 17 virtual town hall in this short video.
The complete town hall meeting video is also available online.
Missed this event? Dr. Reid will be hosting additional engagement sessions throughout the county after her official start date on July 1. Stay informed about community engagement opportunities by visiting the Incoming Superintendent Community Engagement webpage.
Do Your Part: Stay Home When Sick
FCPS has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases recently as the county has transitioned to the medium community level. Schools continue to apply layered prevention strategies to maintain a healthy work and learning environment. However, each of us has a responsibility to do our part to help keep ourselves, our students, and our colleagues safe. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, we must stay vigilant so we can all enjoy the events and milestones ahead and be ready for a relaxing and healthy summer.
Easy ways to “Do Your Part” include: staying up to date on vaccinations and boosters, considering when and where to choose to mask up, practicing good hygiene, and monitoring symptoms daily.
It is increasingly important to stay home if you feel unwell and testing is a critical strategy to slow transmission. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for information about COVID testing and testing sites. At-home testing is also a good option. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID tests; visit COVID.gov for details.
Webinar on Opioid Use Trends and Support Set for June 7
Opioid overdoses are on the rise in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends.
Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on substance use trends and supports June 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register for the June 7 webinar.
The webinar will cover topics including:
- Most Commonly Used Substances.
- In Depth Opioid Information.
- Reasons Why Youth Use Substances.
- Ways Parents Can Support their Children.
- Available FCPS and Fairfax County Resources.
- How to connect with support providers.
Language interpretation will be available in Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, and Korean. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting by an ASL/Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Team will also be provided.
Learn more about what you can do to help and prevent overdoses in our Healthy Minds blog.
Tip Sheet for Parents: Help Your Teen Handle Pressure Without Melting Down
You want to help your student deal with pressures, not add to them. To be a safety valve for your teen, show that you care. Respect their feelings and avoid making unrealistic demands. Teens need to feel they are working toward their own goals, not their parents'.
Teach your student to view mistakes as learning opportunities, and to develop good study habits. When studying is routine, it's easier to deal with increasing workloads. Here are some tips for being a safety valve for your student.
Copyright 2022, The Parent Institute, a Division of PaperClip Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Get more tips for parents and other family engagement resources.
Sing, Dance, and Design With FCPS Summer Programs
All students with an interest in continuing to explore the arts are eligible for two summer enrichment programs. Registration is now open 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.
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is Now Accepting Applications
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2022-23! PreK and Early Head Start is an income eligible program serving children ages 3 or 4 by September 30 in multiple classrooms across the county and ages 6 weeks to 2 years in the Reston, Herndon and Springfield areas. Please watch this video to learn more about the program and to see if your child may qualify.
To Apply Online visit our website here: PreK and EHS Application.
For more information you can reach us via the English Line: 703-208-7900, Spanish Line: 703-208-7901 or PreK email at:fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu.
Thank you for your support in raising awareness of this wonderful program in the Lee District.
FCPS Earns 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year–Sustained Excellence Award
Fairfax County Public Schools has received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year–Sustained Excellence award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health.
More information is available online.
Lewis Pyramid Art Show
I wanted to share the Lewis Pyramid Art Show video with you.
Thank you to the amazing art teachers, from the following schools, who helped to inspire these creative students and made this beautiful art show video.
| Crestwood Elementary School |
Forestdale Elementary School |
| Garfield Elementary School |
Lynbrook Elementary School |
| Saratoga Elementary School |
Springfield Estates Elementary School |
| Key Middle School |
John R Lewis High School |
Enjoy.
Calendar Reminder: Schools and Offices Closed on May 30 for Memorial Day Holiday
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, for the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 31. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
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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