Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is reminding families to complete digital permission forms for school resources using the Parent Digital Consent system. This tool allows parents and caregivers to manage access to online educational tools and after-school care options for elementary students on early release Wednesdays.
The division has also launched Volunteer FCPS, a new volunteer management system designed to support student safety. Volunteers must register in the system, whether they help occasionally or regularly. All volunteers are required to sign in using a visitor kiosk, and some may need background checks.
Dr. Michelle Reid shared updates on the district’s strong start to the school year in her latest Weekly Reflections. According to Dr. Reid, “99.7% of staff positions critical to the opening of school were filled – the highest rate in three years,” and “96% of our buses – covering nearly 6,000 routes – arrived on time.” She added that more than 74,000 breakfasts and lunches were served during the first week.
FCPS reports readiness for inclement weather events such as severe thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding with established plans aimed at ensuring student and staff safety. The district provides information about its procedures on its weather safety webpage.
Changes are coming to high school transcripts beginning September 26. Transcripts will now indicate where certain courses were taken, including those at High School Academies, Interagency Alternative Schools, Online Campus, or classes at other FCPS schools. Courses will appear under separate headings for each program; prior transcripts will continue listing all courses under the base school.
Elementary students will see changes in math assessment practices starting in September with the introduction of Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math assessments for grades 1-6. These tests join iReady Reading assessments as part of state requirements for measuring academic growth in grades 3-6 throughout the year.
In October, students from grades 3 through 12 will participate in the Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener to provide feedback on their learning environment and personal development experiences within their schools.
Phase 2 (Part 2) of FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review process is set to begin this fall with updated draft scenarios available via the Boundary Explorer Tool and additional community meetings planned. Over 13,000 comments have already been submitted through online platforms such as Let’s Talk and are being reviewed by staff and consultants ahead of further revisions.
During a recent work session, Dr. Reid updated the School Board about progress on boundary review efforts.
The Family Academy continues offering resources including classes, webinars, workshops, and programs intended to support parents’ involvement in their children’s education across various topics like co-parenting solutions and military-connected family support.
The district’s strategic plan outlines five goals focused on positive change through equity commitments for every student. The first goal aims at ensuring a strong start from pre-K through grade 12 enrollment.
As International Overdose Awareness Day approaches this Sunday, FCPS is encouraging families to learn how to recognize signs of opioid overdose by visiting its opioid awareness page.
All FCPS schools will be closed Friday August 29 and Monday September 1 for Labor Day holidays as required by Virginia law when schools open before Labor Day weekend; full calendar details are available online.
A special election scheduled by Governor Glenn Youngkin will result in closure of all FCPS schools on Tuesday September 9 because many serve as polling locations.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid commented on this adjustment: “Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.”
The next regular School Board meeting is set for Thursday August 28 at Jackson Middle School at 7 p.m., with attendees asked to arrive around 6:30 p.m due to implementation of weapons detection screening measures meant “to maximize safety for the School Board, students, staff, and members of the public who attend meetings.”
More information regarding meeting agendas and participation can be found on the School Board website.
