Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) announced on March 25 several important updates to its academic calendar, student programs, and recent achievements across the division.
The changes and highlights affect students, families, and staff throughout the county. These include adjustments to early release days due to a special election, recognition of student science projects at a regional fair, new opportunities for summer internships, and ongoing efforts in school safety and literacy.
Due to a recently announced special election impacting all FCPS schools, Tuesday, April 21 will now be a teacher workday and staff development day. As a result, elementary students will have full instructional days with regular dismissal times on April 22 and April 29 instead of early release Wednesdays. The adjustment allows teachers time for planning without reducing classroom instruction.
Nine FCPS projects earned Grand Prize awards at the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. More than 640 high school students participated in the event with over 400 projects judged by professionals from various organizations. Winners are eligible for further competition at state or international levels later this spring.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted student engagement in science through her meeting with sixth grader Armaan from Lorton Station Elementary School during the school’s SPARK Expo. She also discussed weather safety protocols that guide decisions during severe conditions like storms or tornadoes.
Other announcements included open applications for the six-week Summer Internship Program starting July 6 for high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program offers hands-on experience in fields such as artificial intelligence, business, construction, communications, cybersecurity, education advocacy, along with weekly professional development workshops.
FCPS recognized initiatives like Poplar Tree Tech Squad’s decade-long support within their school community; continued analysis of boundaries affecting Skyview High School; positive results from the Walk to Read literacy program; strong participation in middle school performing arts; open nominations for Special Education PTA Awards; reminders about upcoming breaks; graduation dates; induction of Tom Dannan as Braddock District Representative; and details about future School Board meetings.