The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) community is preparing for the start of the new academic year, with Superintendent Michelle Reid highlighting several initiatives and events in her latest weekly update.
Reid extended a welcome to all students, acknowledging the work done over the summer to maintain educational standards. She encouraged families to view her welcome message, which features Wakefield Forest Elementary School’s recent renovations.
Transportation services have seen upgrades this year, including a tablet-based system that provides turn-by-turn navigation and real-time route adjustments. The new system also uses RFID card scanning to verify student identities and track bus boarding locations. Eventually, families will be able to monitor their child’s location through the Here Comes the Bus app. Reid thanked transportation staff for their efforts in ensuring student safety and setting a positive tone each day.
Reid attended several school events during the week, including athletic scrimmages at Herndon High School and Fairfax High School, as well as Mark Twain Middle School’s Tiger Fest. She emphasized the importance of these gatherings for students transitioning into new schools.
A division-wide Military Families BBQ was held at Mount Vernon High School, organized based on feedback from military family advisory councils. The event aimed to support military-connected students who often face unique challenges when moving between districts. FCPS is working toward having all 199 schools designated as Purple Star Schools by September 2026—a recognition for supporting military families with dedicated contacts and transition programs.
Reid also visited the Department of Technology (DIT) Team’s kickoff breakfast at Wilton Woods Center. The DIT manages network operations across 254 sites, supports critical software platforms such as Google Workspace and SIS, maintains about 2,000 servers, and handles records management—including shredding up to seven tons of paper annually. The Technology Architecture and Assessment team reviews hardware and software for privacy and accessibility concerns, especially given increased use of AI tools in education.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) were recognized for reducing substance-related discipline infractions among seventh and eighth graders compared to last year—particularly out-of-school suspensions for vaping, which dropped by 34%. Reid noted ongoing collaboration between SAPS staff, students, and families.
Additional events included Key Center’s Back to School Night focused on supporting students with diverse learning needs; a Chamber of Commerce lunch; a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Army; a Community Town Hall at Fort Belvoir discussing bullying prevention strategies; Laurel Ridge Elementary School’s 55th anniversary celebration; kindergarten playdates at Freedom Hill and Terraset elementary schools; and continued recovery efforts after recent weather disruptions at Hayfield Secondary School.
All FCPS high schools are piloting Girls Flag Football this fall with support from the Washington Commanders. College scholarships are available for participants ahead of Olympic inclusion in 2028.
As of July 1st, new Virginia legislation allows public schools to enroll employees in Rap Back—a continuous background check monitoring system—to enhance school safety statewide. Nearly 18,000 FCPS employees have already completed enrollment forms as part of this initiative.
Reid concluded her message by expressing gratitude for staff dedication amid ongoing challenges: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh.
