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Dear Franconia District Families -
Happy New Year! It has been a very busy and exciting first two weeks of the New Year here at FCPS!
It was an honor to attend the conferring ceremony for the IB Program Diploma & Career-Related Program graduates at John R. Lewis High School. We held a work session on our Capital Improvement Program and reviewed our Office of the Auditor General’s FY 2022 Annual Report. I also had the privilege to be a part of the core community member working group in the development of our strategic plan. Last evening, we received a presentation from our Superintendent on her FY 2023-2024 proposed budget.
Below you will find more detailed information on the proposed budget and the Strategic Plan—plus exciting news about our salad bars and much more!
This time of year also provides many opportunities for our student performers to showcase their talents! I hope you may find the time to attend and support our performing artists!
Wishing all of our seniors the best as they continue to plan for their post-graduation journey. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Stay well,
Tammy
 IB Program Diploma & Career-Related Program graduates at John R. Lewis High School
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- All Day Work Session - Tuesday, January 17, 11 a.m. (Gatehouse Administration Center, 1600) - FY 24 Proposed Budget; SY 24 Calendars
- Governance Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 18, 12:30 p.m. (Gatehouse Administration Center, 1610)
- Audit Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 18, 5 p.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 - you can watch the recorded School Board meetings or live Regular Meetings on YouTube by visiting the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code.
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FY 2023 Midyear Budget Review and FY 2024 Proposed Budget
Last night, the School Board approved revenue and expenditure changes reflected in the FY 2023 Midyear Budget Review. In addition, the Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Proposed Budget.
Review the FY24 proposed budget and all budget documents here.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?
The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But why do we need a new strategic plan?
Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. 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.
Please visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more information.
As a reminder, there will be in-person and virtual community conversations - see schedule and registration links:
- Monday, February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Edison HS (register)
- Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., South County HS (register)
- Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Spanish Virtual (register)
- Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m. Virtual (register)
- Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Virtual (register)
- Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., West Springfield HS (register)
Click here for the full list of in-persona and virtual forums.
COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Informational Meetings
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:
Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.
Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Parents who are interested in the DLI programs in FCPS are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at their school site. Meetings will begin Wednesday, January 11. Get more information on DLI programs and registration.
Salad Bars Returning to Elementary Schools
 The Office of Food and Nutrition Services is excited to begin adding salad bars back to elementary schools as a part of lunch service this month. The goal is to reach all 142 elementary schools before June 2023. This month the following schools are scheduled to reopen their salad bars:
Salad bars encourage students to build nutritious and delicious meals each day. Students are able to select a salad bar lunch or fruit and vegetable sides paired with an entree. Salad bar offerings include student favorites such as: apple slices, baby carrots, bananas, hard boiled eggs, broccoli, corn, cucumber slices, grapes, orange slices, salad greens, shredded cheese, and lunch meats.
Forestdale Instructional Assistant: "Love Personified"
 Colleagues and students describe Melissa Richardson, an instructional assistant at Forestdale Elementary School in Springfield, as “love personified.” Her selfless devotion to Forestdale students during the last 14 years has left a lasting impact on their hearts. You can make a difference too. Become an instructional assistant with FCPS!
Six Lewis High School Seniors Received the Posse Scholarship
 (Image courtesy: John R. Lewis HS Twitter)
I wanted to highlight that Fairfax County Public Schools had 24 Posse Scholars this year. Six of these students attend John R Lewis High School. Congratulations to all the students and go Lancers!
Posse was founded in 1989 because of the words of one student who said, “I never would’ve dropped out of college if I had my posse with me.” The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development.
You can learn more about the Posse Mission & History here.
2023 FCPS Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, February 1, at West Springfield High School from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents/caregivers. Representatives from more than 40 programs offering gap year opportunities will be on site.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, February 2, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Attend a High School Academy Open House
FCPS high school academies are currently holding open houses for interested students.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will have opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
 SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Visit the SEPTA website to become a member or learn more.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators. Sign up for the PRC's newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Tutor.com for Test Prep
Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
Youth Substance Use Presentations
Over the next few months, FCPS' Office of Student Safety and Wellness, in partnership with the FCPD and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board will be providing pyramid level Youth Substance Use presentations to parents and community members in each high school pyramid. Spanish interpretation will be provided at as many of the dates as possible. There will also be a division-wide virtual presentation in partnership with the Parent Resource Center on March 21 (register for this event). Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
The presentation schedule for Region 3 is outlined below. Read here to learn more about this and for the complete schedule.
Upcoming Performances
Below are some upcoming performances in Region 3. It's a great opportunity to go out for a concert or a show. I hope to see you there!
Mount Vernon High School
MVHS Theater presents "Choose Your Own Oz"
- Friday, January 20, 2023 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon High School
8515 Old Mount Vernon Road
Alexandria, VA
By Tommy Jamerson - Produced by special arrangement with YouthPLAYS.
“The Wizard of Oz meets Choose Your Own Adventure in this fresh and fast-paced retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic in which the audience plays playwright and gets the chance to change everything from Dorothy's footwear (silver slippers or ruby red...clown shoes?) to Toto's species (lion, tiger or octopus?—oh my!) to the Witch's flying footmen. A delight for children of all ages, Choose Your Own Oz reminds us all that at the end of the day, there really is no place like home.”
For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.mvhstheatrearts.com/oz2023
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Edison High School
"Music Changes the World"
Edison High School Choir is bringing back their annual Edison Pyramid Choral Festival. This is the first time since 2020 that they will have singers from all eight Edison pyramid schools come together to perform.
- Tuesday, January 24 at 7 p.m.
Edison High School - Gymnasium
5801 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA
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West Springfield High School
WSHS Spartan Theater Presents "Winter One Acts" written and directed by students.
- Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, February 4 at 7 p.m.
West Springfield High School
6100 Rolling Road
Springfield, VA
For tickets and more information visit: https://www.spartantheatre.com/current-season
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Webinars in January for Parents/Caregivers
The Parent Resource Center will present the following webinars in January:
Click on the links above for more information or to register.
Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
 Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities
FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.
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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