A kindergarten class at McNair Elementary School recently used pumpkins to practice math skills, counting seeds as part of a hands-on lesson.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) mobile app in her weekly update. The app offers families a single platform for accessing news, calendars, school notices, cafeteria menus, and more on iOS and Android devices. Users do not need to sign in to receive updates and information. Dr. Reid encouraged families to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The 2025 Bond Referendum will appear on ballots next week. FCPS emphasizes that new and renovated schools benefit students, educators, and the broader community by providing updated spaces for teaching, recreation, civic meetings, and other activities. Community members are urged to vote on Tuesday, November 4.
The Family Academy continues to offer resources for parents and guardians through classes and webinars in November. Topics include skill-building at home, co-parenting (with a session available in Spanish), support for military-connected students, transition planning for life after high school, communication strategies with twice exceptional children, family engagement in special education processes, restorative justice practices, and improving daily routines.
Fairfax County’s Federal Workforce Resource Hub supports local residents—including about 80,000 federal employees—by providing guidance during disruptions to federal services or employment.
Through partnerships with local organizations and agencies, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning connects individuals with basic needs such as food, shelter, financial assistance, health care services, and other referrals.
Residents can use the Emergency Food Access Providers website to locate food banks or donate food within their community.
At Key Center School, speech-language pathologists led a project using artificial intelligence (AI) that allowed students to create fictional class pets. This initiative aimed to enhance communication skills and vocabulary while encouraging student participation.
FCPS will host “Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI and The Future of Learning” on Monday, November 3 at West Springfield High School. The event includes an expo featuring partnerships with AI innovators and discussions about innovation in education.
South County High School junior Mary Moore has gained recognition both locally and globally for her baton twirling performances at football games while maintaining strong academic focus during school hours.
Holmes Middle School’s Cursive Club provides students an opportunity to learn cursive handwriting—a skill they believe helps them academically and prepares them for future tasks.
An FCPS graduate named Paola found academic growth through a personalized cookbook project supported by her family and educators; her experience demonstrates how individualized projects can foster personal success.
A resource fair sponsored by FCPS along with local agencies will be held Thursday, November 6 at Robinson Secondary School cafeteria. The event is designed to help students with disabilities plan post-high school transitions by providing information about employment options, support programs, advocacy resources, recreation activities, residential living choices, and funding sources.
All families are asked to complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey via SIS ParentVUE; paper forms will be distributed beginning Wednesday, November 12 if surveys are not submitted online.
Parents are encouraged to activate their SIS ParentVUE accounts for access to surveys as well as information about their children’s education progress.
Massogbe Sangare from Hayfield Secondary School was recognized among the CARES of the Month recipients for exemplary service supporting special education students: “Ms. Massogbe embodies the absolute best that special education has to offer in FCPS,” wrote her nominator. “The genuine love and care she shows for our most vulnerable students is obvious in everything she does and says.”
Other staff honored include Jim Bailey (Sideburn Support Center), Elizabeth Baxter (Herndon Elementary), Jackie Garcia and Melissa Lopez (Woodburn Elementary), Marie Sauer (Fort Hunt Elementary), Ken Wheeler (Keene Mill Elementary), and Gisele Gray (Fairfax High).
To strengthen connections between parents/caregivers and teens or young adults during busy times of year like holidays or summer break periods when attention may wane naturally over time due simply getting older – shared experiences such as learning crafts together or taking world language classes can provide valuable bonding opportunities through Fairfax County Adult & Community Education programs.
Dr. Reid presented findings from the annual Youth Survey at last week’s School Board meeting; results indicate improved mental health among FCPS students based on anonymous responses regarding behaviors and protective factors influencing youth wellbeing.
The final October community boundary review meeting will take place Thursday evening at Chantilly High School where participants can view draft maps affecting Westfield and Chantilly areas either virtually or in person—with early access provided for hands-on exploration using district-provided laptops if needed.
No divisionwide changes regarding K-12 school start times will occur before the 2027-28 school year following recent direction from the School Board; meanwhile updates continue regarding plans for a new western high school including draft boundary scenarios under consideration.
Key calendar reminders include:
– End of first quarter/early release: Friday October 31
– Gradebook closure: October 31 (4 p.m.) through November 10 (6 a.m.)
– Daylight saving time ends: Sunday November 2
– Student holidays: Monday November 3 (school planning day); Tuesday November 4 (teacher workday)
– Veterans Day holiday: Tuesday November 11
FCPS provides specialized educational services across various settings—including itinerant specialists—for students who are deaf/hard of hearing or visually impaired; additional state resources are also available through Virginia Department of Education.
