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Dear Franconia District Families,
Happy Election Day - - remember to get out and vote today!
Here are some updates for you.
On October 27th, I attended a reception at Lewis High School. The event recognized community partners, staff, and students who have been influential in the creation of the Lewis Leadership Program. The leadership program, once launched, will adopt the principles of Congressman John Lewis’ life through a curriculum that will focus on government, public policy, leadership, and human rights.
Last week, I visited Hayfield Secondary School along with Delegate Mark Sickles -- as part of Virginia School Board Association's (VSBA) Bring Your Legislator to School Month. Thank you to acting principal Matthew Mough and his staff for such a warm welcome.
Our Board and Dr. Reid have begun the process of developing a new Strategic Plan. Now through Friday, November 18, students in grades 3-12 will have an opportunity to be a part of this work by taking the Strategic Plan Student Survey. The survey will allow students to share their thoughts about school and what's important to them. If you opted your child out of taking the survey, they will not be asked to participate.
Schools will be showing a short video to help familiarize students with the concept of a Strategic Plan prior to administering the survey. Students in grades 3-6 will watch this video, and those in grades 7-12 will be shown this version. Please see below for additional details or visit the Strategic Plan Student Survey webpage for more information.
Please join me on Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m. at John R. Lewis High School, along with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, as part of her fall community conversations she has been doing since August to get to know our schools (details below). This will be the last one in the Franconia District - so I hope to see you there.
Finally, see below for some of our upcoming middle and high school theater performances that I hope you get a chance to enjoy!
Have a great week!
Stay well,
Tammy
 Left To Right Clockwise: Tamara Derenak Kaufax, Franconia District School Board Representative at Lewis High School; John R. Lewis Art Mural; Mr. Henry Lewis, brother to the late Congressman John R. Lewis; Acting Principal Matthew Mough, Hayfield Secondary School, Delegate Mark Sickles and Tamara Derenak Kaufax; Delegate Sickles classroom visit at Hayfield Secondary School.
School Board Meeting Update
Last Thursday, the School Board voted to approve changes to the list of middle and high school course offerings for the 2023-2024 school year, as recommended by the Course Review Committee, and as detailed in the agenda item.
We also adopted the 2023 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program and Priorities with amendments that can be viewed in Board Docs.
The School Board approved the implementation of a rooftop solar power purchase program at Annandale High School. More information can be viewed in Board Docs.
You can watch last night's full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Upcoming Meetings
- Governance Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 9, 1 p.m. (Gatehouse Administration Center, 1610)
- Audit Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 9, 4:30 p.m. (Gatehouse Administration Center, 1600)
- Regular Meeting - Monday, November 14, 7 p.m. (Luther Jackson MS Auditorium)
- All Day Work Session - Tuesday, November 15, 11 a.m. (Gatehouse Administration Center, 1600)
Meeting agendas and handouts can be found on BoardDocs. Work Session and Regular Meetings are broadcast on Channel 99 (Cox, Comcast) or 11 (Verizon) and live-streamed on the FCPS website. Recordings of meetings are archived on the FCPS YouTube channel.
For Spanish speakers -- to watch recorded School Board meetings or live Regular Meetings on YouTube, you can visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code.
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Strategic Planning
Why Does FCPS Need a New Strategic Plan?
By now, you may have heard that FCPS is developing a new Strategic Plan. Here are some reasons why the school division is engaging in this important work.
Our last strategic plan was developed in 2015. Since then, we experienced a pandemic that changed the way we think, a shift in technology that has seen eight new versions of the iPhone, and plans developed for the first manned mission to Mars.
Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era. Employees, parents/caregivers, students, and our FCPS community must share the same purpose in order to recognize how we can move forward together.
We are all much more motivated, and successful, when we share clear end goals. Learn more on our Strategic Plan webpage.
¿Por Qué FCPS Necesita un Nuevo Plan Estratégico?A estas alturas, es posible que haya escuchado que FCPS está desarrollando un nuevo Plan Estratégico. Aquí hay algunas razones por las que la división escolar está participando en este importante trabajo.
Nuestro último plan estratégico se elaboró en 2015. Desde entonces, hemos pasado por una pandemia que ha cambiado nuestra forma de pensar, por un cambio en la tecnología que ha dado lugar a ocho nuevas versiones del iPhone y por el desarrollo de planes para la primera misión tripulada a Marte.
Nuestros alumnos se preparan para carreras que hoy no existen. Para mantener el ritmo de estas necesidades, necesitamos repensar nuestros planes para el futuro y cómo vamos a servir mejor a nuestros estudiantes para esta nueva era. Los empleados, padres/cuidadores, estudiantes y nuestra comunidad de FCPS deben compartir el mismo propósito para reconocer cómo podemos avanzar juntos.
Todos estamos mucho más motivados, y tenemos más éxito, cuando compartimos objetivos finales claros. Obtenga más información en la página web de nuestro Plan Estratégico.
How FCPS Develops Its School Year Calendar
In an annual planning process, Fairfax County Public Schools uses input from the community to develop the calendar for the following year. Our framework for creating the calendar is available online to ensure transparency, as we work to build a calendar that is inclusive and equitable. Watch your email for a feedback form, which will be shared with parents, staff, and middle and high school students.
Community Conversations Wrapping Up
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid has been hosting Community Conversations across the division since August as a way to get to know our school communities. There aren’t many sessions remaining this fall, so mark your calendar! Dr. Reid will be in the Franconia District later this week.
Thursday, November 10 - 7:00 - 8:00 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
Please register to attend the above conversation. If you are unable to attend, you may register for any of the remaining locations on a date that is convenient for you. See the schedule for other conversations. Language interpretation, childcare, and light refreshments will be provided.
Want to Work for FCPS?
 $3,000 Signing Bonus for Bus Drivers
Job fairs will be held for those interested in becoming bus drivers for FCPS on Wednesday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lorton Center. Click on the links to learn more, call 571-423-3000, or email driveforfcps@fcps.edu.
Sub and Save the Day! Bonus Opportunities!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers and instructional assistants need to be out of the classroom. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference.
FCPS has started offering bonuses for substitutes who are available to teach on high volume days. Additionally, substitutes who work more, will earn extra bonuses when they reach 50, 100, or 150 days worked in a school year.
Substitute Teacher and Substitute Instructional Assistant information sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Candidates will receive an email link to the virtual information session the Monday before the session. Sign up for an information session.
School Improvement and Innovation/ESSER III Plans
Wondering how ESSER funds are being spent at your school? The Fall 2022 School Improvement and Innovation (SIIP)/Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) plans are available online. Plans will be updated periodically as schools have opportunities to adjust their strategies and budgets.
Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
Although the community level of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is currently low, cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses are on the rise. It is still important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and keep them at home if they are sick. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.
November Is Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions recognized by FCPS.
Veterans Day
As a reminder, Friday, November 11, is a student holiday/school planning day for the Veterans Day holiday. Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans and their families have made on our behalf. We thank them for their service. Learn about the history of Veterans Day.
See the 2022-23 School Year Calendar
Red Flag Gun Law in Virginia
 Virginia’s Emergency Substantial Risk Orders (ESRO) law prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any kind of firearm. If you know of someone with a gun acting in a way that concerns you, speak up to prevent a gun tragedy.
To request an ESRO in Fairfax County, call the police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. If there is an immediate danger, call or text 911. Learn more about Red Flag laws on the county government website.
Franconia District Performances
Below are some performances that I hope you can attend to help support these wonderful school organizations.
Edison High School
The Edison High School Theater presents "Clue - High School Edition" based the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and the Hasbro board game Clue.
The screenplay by Jonathan Lynn; written by Sandy Rustin.
• Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
For tickets and more information, see Edison Theater Company page here.
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Hayfield Secondary School
Mount Vernon High School
The MVHS Theater presents "She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition"
• Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m.*
• Saturday, November 19 at 2 and 7 p.m.
(*NCA Cappies Critics attending this performance.)
For tickets and more information, visit the MVHS Theater page here.
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West Potomac High School
West Potomac High School Theater presents "Peter and the Star Catcher"
• Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 12 at 7 p.m.
For additional dates and ticket information, visit the West Potomac HS Beyond the Page here.
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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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