Parents and students in Fairfax County marked the start of the 2025-26 school year with activities at Falls Church High School and other campuses across the district. Highlights from #FirstDayFairfax are available through a video and photo gallery on the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) website.
As families return to school, FCPS is urging parents to ensure they have an active SIS ParentVUE account. This platform allows access to important forms, updates, and communications about weather closings, bus delays, attendance alerts, and more. Parents without an account can contact their child’s school for an activation code or refer to the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage for instructions.
To keep families informed about urgent matters such as bus delays or emergencies, FCPS recommends updating contact information within SIS ParentVUE. “Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE,” according to guidance from the district. Absences for full days can also be reported through ParentVUE; partial-day absences should still be communicated directly to schools.
The district reminds parents to review and submit immunization records via SIS ParentVUE or directly at school offices. Families needing medical or religious exemptions can provide documentation as required by state law.
FCPS asks for patience during transportation routines as new schedules are established. Bus status updates are accessible through the Bus Delay Notification System or the Here Comes the Bus mobile app. The Transportation Services webpage provides additional resources for families with questions.
To help students move quickly through lunch lines, parents are encouraged to teach their children their student ID numbers, use MySchoolBucks accounts for meal payments, apply promptly for free or reduced-price meals if eligible, and notify schools of any food allergies requiring accommodations.
Parents may monitor their child’s online activity on FCPS devices using Lightspeed’s weekly Parent Report. The service includes options to pause internet access during non-school hours via a dedicated portal.
The Department of Special Services has released updated resources—including translated handbooks—to assist families navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced that all high schools will pilot girls flag football this fall with sponsorship from the Washington Commanders. More information is available in her Weekly Reflections update.
A recent barbecue event welcomed military-connected families at Mount Vernon High School, offering opportunities for connection with peers and support services from FCPS’s Office of Family and School Partnerships.
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan continues as a framework guiding academic excellence and equity initiatives throughout the division. The plan emphasizes reading and math skills development, equitable opportunities for growth, graduation readiness, progress measurement strategies, equity commitments, and core priorities supporting student achievement.
FCPS is highlighting efforts around fostering belonging in schools—a key goal in its strategic plan—by sharing stories that show how inclusive environments support academic and emotional growth among students.
Recognition continues through programs like FCPS CARES which honor staff members making positive impacts on students’ experiences. Among May’s recipients was Chandrani Ohdedar from Churchill Road Elementary School: “Ms. Ohdedar stands out as one of the finest teachers any of [my four children] have had,” wrote a parent nominator. “In [my daughter’s] words, Ms. Ohdedar is ‘the best teacher ever.’ There is no greater gift as a parent than seeing your child excited to go to school each day. We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Ohdedar.”
Other recognized staff included Tim Roberson (Woodson IT), Kylee West (Bailey’s Upper Elementary), Shannon Southard (Mount Eagle Elementary), Jody Hull (Robinson Secondary), Wafika Albani (Greenbriar East Elementary), Sadida Chaudhry and Natasha Triplett (Bren Mar Park Elementary).
Schools will be closed Friday August 29th and Monday September 1st in observance of Labor Day per Virginia legislation regarding pre-Labor Day openings.
The county police department has partnered with All City Management Services to recruit crossing guards who play a vital role in ensuring student safety near schools; interested applicants can find details on how to apply via ACMS’s website.
