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Dear Franconia District Families,
Today’s newsletter is filled with lots of timely information that I hope you find helpful!
Over the last two weeks, I had the pleasure of visiting several FCPS schools. I visited Principal Michael Mukai and his team at West Springfield High School. The Edison High School Student Services invited me to their Annual Advisory Council Meeting. I had the opportunity to listen and share with students, parents, counselors, teachers and administrators. I also visited and toured West Springfield Elementary, with Principal Kelly Sheers and her team, where the student art work displays were outstanding!
Supervisor Rodney Lusk gave me a tour of Franconia District’s exciting new Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (WISH). I encourage you and your family to explore the opportunities available at this center.
I hope you find time this weekend to enjoy the fall colors.
Stay well,
Tammy
 1. Edison High School Student Services presentation; 2. Workforce Innovation Services Hub Logo; 3. L to R: David Temple, Education and Workforce Manager for Supervisor Lusk; School Board Member Tamara Derenak Kaufax - Franconia District; Board Of Supervisor Rodney Lusk - Franconia District; Monica Bentley, Edison Academy Administrator; and Pamela Brumfield, Edison High School Principal; 4. L to R: Michael Mukai, Principal West Springfield High School and School Board Member Tamara Derenak Kaufax - Franconia District; 5. Art Display at West Springfield Elementary School with Principal Dr. Kelly Sheers
District Community Conversations Continue
Our new Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, is continuing to host community conversations across the division this fall to get to know our communities.
Next week, the Superintendent will be visiting the West Springfield and West Potomac High School communities. The last stop in the Franconia District will be Lewis High School on November 10. See details below. All events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Interpretation services, child care, and light refreshments will be provided.
This a great opportunity to come meet our new Superintendent!
 Tuesday, October 25 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
West Springfield High School (Register)
- Cardinal Forest Elementary School
- Hunt Valley Elementary School
- Irving Middle School
- Keene Mill Elementary School
- Orange Hunt Elementary School
- Rolling Valley Elementary School
- West Springfield Elementary School
- West Springfield High School
Thursday, October 27 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
West Potomac High School (Register)
- Belle View Elementary School
- Bryant Alternative High School
- Bucknell Elementary School
- Fort Hunt Elementary School
- Groveton Elementary School
- Hollin Meadows Elementary School
- Hybla Valley Elementary School
- Pulley Center
- Sandburg Middle School
- Stratford Landing Elementary School
- Quander Road School
- West Potomac High School and Academy
- Waynewood ES
Thursday, November 10 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
John R. Lewis High School (Register)
- Crestwood Elementary School
- Forestdale Elementary School
- Garfield Elementary School
- Key Center
- Key Middle School
- Lewis High School
- Lynbrook Elementary School
- Saratoga Elementary School
- Springfield Estates Elementary School
What Is an Ombuds?
 FCPS’ Office of the Ombuds was excited to celebrate Ombuds Day on October 13. An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. The FCPS Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
Opportunity for Students to Have a Voice in FCPS’ Future
 As mentioned in previous newsletters, FCPS is developing a Strategic Plan that will serve as our roadmap for the future. We encourage every parent/caregiver, student, employee, and community member to participate in this important work.
Our first engagement opportunity will be an optional survey, which will be open to students in grades 3-12. Knowing what is important to students will be very helpful to Dr. Reid, as she leads the planning of FCPS’ future. Schools will administer the survey—and determine the appropriate time during the school day to do so—between November 2-18. If you would prefer that your child not participate, you may opt your child out of taking the survey.
Learn more on our website.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Applications Opening October 24
 Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2027 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting October 24, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 18, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration website for more information.
Fairfax County SAT Scores Continue to Surpass Averages
FCPS seniors in the class of 2022 performed well above state and global averages on the SAT, according to results released by the College Board. The FCPS total mean score of 1185 surpassed both the state average (1124) and the global average (1050) for the class of 2022. Read more about the 2022 SAT scores.
2023 FAFSA Open—College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
Parents of current high school seniors, did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on October 1? Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible—definitely before March 1, 2023—as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2023. Some schools have even earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and forms. Then, create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Over the next two months, our partners at College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA, and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request an appointment.
Be Wise, Immunize!
 If your child has missed regular doctor check-ups and recommended immunizations during the pandemic, now is the time to catch up. Make your appointments now and provide updated records to your school.
Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid
 FCPS will be asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid.
Returning this form is important, because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school. If Sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the box in Section 3. All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 4. All responses are confidential.
Watch the video to learn more about this process.
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
 Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends out a newsletter around the 15th of each month for military-connected families? Sign up for that newsletter (under “Division Administration News and Updates” then “Professional Learning & Family Engagement”) or other topics on our website.
Bullying Prevention Month
 October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying in FCPS’ Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. Bullying includes cyberbullying. It does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation, please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something going on at school, please contact the front office, so they can support you, and most importantly, your student.
Parent Resource Center Webinars Address Bullying
On October 27, at 7 p.m., the Parent Resource Center (PRC) will host a “Meet the Author” event with Nalani and Leila Butler, graduates of Hayfield Secondary School, who will read their book Paige Saves the Day. The book addresses overcoming bullying. Register online for this webinar. Adults and children are welcome.
The PRC will also host a webinar on Bullying Prevention on November 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Register online.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener
 Students in grades K-2 will no longer participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener. Instead, the Child Behavior Rating Scale administered in kindergarten, existing attendance, and behavior data will be used to determine necessary social emotional instruction and supports. School teams will use these measures alongside family input, as they develop their understanding of students’ needs and strategies to support them.
Students in grades 3-12 will be able to participate in the SEL screener. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. This year, students will participate in the screener in the fall (October/November) and spring (March).
Parents are able to opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Read more about SEL and signature practices online.
Everything You Need to Know About Opioids
The Parent Resource Center and Tiffany Jones, FCPS substance abuse prevention specialist, will present a webinar for parents and caregivers on Thursday, November 10, at 10 a.m. The webinar is intended for adults only and will address:
- How young people are getting drugs.
- Opioid risk, misuse, withdrawal, and overdose symptoms.
- The dangers of fentanyl.
- Naloxone and how it works.
All are welcome. Please help us plan by clicking this link to register to attend.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker. Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:
- Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the Crisis Link hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.
- Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
Student Bus Passes
 Did you know: All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE bus for free. Fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year, with the pass. Learn more about Student Pass online. Complete the application and return it to your school office.
Additionally, Connector and Metrobus are issuing SmarTrip cards to students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall High Schools, and the Davis Center for use on specific routes in Northern Virginia. Visit the website to learn more and view the routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office.
Upcoming Franconia District Performances
Below are some performances that I hope you can attend to help support these wonderful school organizations.
Hayfield Secondary School
Do you like Monty Python? Do you find 'flesh wounds' and 'shrubbery' funny? Then you are going to love Spamalot!
SPAMALOT tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. This hysterical musical comedy is inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Shows are on Oct. 21-22. All shows are at 7:00 pm
The cost is $12 per ticket
Order tickets online now at http://www.hayfielddrama.com/
(note: This show contains some mature content that might not be appropriate for all audiences)
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West Potomac High School
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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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