Fourth grade students at North Springfield Elementary School recently participated in a Speed Stacks competition as part of their physical education program.
At its meeting on February 26, the Fairfax County School Board approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Superintendent Michelle Reid stated, “This proposal focuses on essentials — restoring at least in part, critical supports, honoring our commitments to appropriate compensation, and continuing strategic investments that directly benefit students. It is a disciplined, responsible plan that keeps our attention where it belongs: on delivering strong outcomes for every student.”
Over the past decade, FCPS has made reductions totaling more than $800 million through staffing cuts, cost avoidances, and fee increases to match available funding levels.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2027 Budget through public hearings and town hall meetings organized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during March and April. The School Board plans to adopt the final approved budget in May.
Superintendent Reid will continue her series of Community Conversations this spring at several elementary schools across the division. These events are open to all community members who wish to share their thoughts or ask questions. Registration is optional but helps with planning for child care and interpretation services.
Seventeen FCPS high schools have been named to the College Board’s 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. Additionally, Chantilly and McLean high schools were among 26 nationwide recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. Chantilly has received this honor for twelve consecutive years; McLean has done so for nine years.
In light of recent measles cases in Northern Virginia and among travelers passing through local airports, the Fairfax County Health Department advises families planning domestic or international travel during spring break or summer to ensure they are protected against measles. Children aged 12 months and older should have one or two doses before traveling; infants between six and eleven months may also require vaccination depending on specific travel plans.
This week marks Read Across America Week. FCPS continues its focus on reading proficiency as outlined in its Strategic Plan Goal 3—ensuring students read at grade level by third grade. Dr. Reid highlighted improvements brought by the Benchmark Advance K-6 Writing Curriculum, now in its second year of use, noting stronger writing skills observed among students according to teachers and school leaders.
Reading specialists such as Amanda Bontzos at Mantua Elementary School play an important role in supporting both students’ academic success and teacher development.
National School Breakfast Week is being recognized from March 2–6. FCPS Food and Nutrition Services emphasized their commitment to offering healthy meals based on student feedback, with new menu items introduced this year.
The Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18 at Marshall High School; those previously registered are asked to re-register due to the date change.
FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration at Carter G. Woodson High School under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence,” marking the centennial anniversary of what became Black History Month. The event included student-led presentations connecting historical achievements with current accomplishments and featured a keynote address by Vernon Walton from First Baptist Church of Vienna.
To help families prepare for kindergarten enrollment next fall, FCPS will host a virtual Countdown to Kindergarten event on Friday, March 27. The district provides a five-step registration process including eligibility determination and required documentation.
Labor activist Dolores Huerta visited John R. Lewis High School recently to encourage students with messages drawn from her experience alongside Rep. John R. Lewis during the civil rights movement.
During School Social Work Week, FCPS recognizes social workers like Megan Jackson from Burke School who address barriers affecting students’ ability to learn effectively.
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair seeks over 250 judges with advanced degrees or significant professional experience for its event scheduled March 14 at Robinson Secondary School; judges must not evaluate categories where personal connections exist with participants.
Three elementary magnet schools—Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper—are accepting lottery applications until March 27 for specialized programs in science, technology, and performing arts for the upcoming school year.
A boundary development process is underway for Skyview High School in western Fairfax County following a comprehensive review; new boundaries affecting nearby high school pyramids will be established by June 2026 after analysis involving feeder elementary and middle schools.
An in-person job fair focused on Special Education and STEM teaching positions will take place Saturday, March 14 at Lake Braddock Secondary School; interested candidates are encouraged to register ahead of time.
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., prompting safety reminders for students walking or waiting outdoors before sunrise due to darker morning hours.
Registration is open for spring semester Adult English language classes offered by FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE), providing affordable options across various county locations aimed at adult learners seeking basic or advanced English skills relevant for career advancement.
Nominations are now being accepted until Friday, March 13 for the A. Heath Onthank Award of Merit recognizing exceptional operational employees within Fairfax County government agencies or public schools; winners receive recognition from county supervisors along with a plaque and monetary award.