Students at Herndon Elementary School are engaged in their learning as the new school year begins. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has emphasized its ongoing commitment to student and staff safety, outlining procedures for emergency preparedness across all schools.
Each school follows an emergency plan that includes practicing drills for incidents such as fires and tornadoes. State law requires schools to conduct annual emergency drills, including lockdown drills. Parents and caregivers will be notified at least 24 hours before a lockdown drill takes place, though the exact date and time will not be disclosed beforehand. Preschool and kindergarten students do not participate in the first lockdown drill of the year, which must occur within the first 20 days of school.
FCPS encourages families to discuss these drills with their children to reinforce the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The division provides resources such as frequently asked questions to help parents support students before and after lockdown drills.
The school system uses specific terminology related to safety procedures, such as “lockdown,” “secure the building,” and “stay put, stay tuned.” FCPS offers a video explaining these terms to ensure that staff, families, and students understand how they affect school operations.
For concerns about safety or information regarding unsafe situations at school, community members can use the anonymous tip line managed by the FCPS Office of Safety and Security. Reports can be submitted online, via text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020). In emergencies requiring immediate assistance, individuals are advised to call 911. Issues reported may include threats, illegal drug activity, thefts, gang activity, weapons on campus, vandalism, or concerns about student wellness. For other non-safety-related concerns regarding programs or policies, FCPS recommends contacting their ombuds office.
All students are required by Virginia law to have up-to-date immunizations in order to attend school. Starting Tuesday, November 18, students without proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend classes. Parents are encouraged to check with healthcare providers or visit local health department clinics if immunizations are needed.
To support focused learning environments, FCPS reminds families about its cell phone policy: parents should wait until after school hours for non-urgent communication with their children. In emergencies during class time, contacting the school’s front office is recommended.
At a recent School Board meeting’s Academic Matters segment, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the Algebra Power Up summer program designed for seventh and eighth graders. The three-week initiative aims to strengthen foundational math skills necessary for success in Algebra 1. Dr. Reid noted that approximately 75% of eighth graders are now enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher courses—a step toward achieving Goal 3 of FCPS’s 2023-30 Strategic Plan: ensuring all students complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
The strategic plan outlines five main goals intended to guide improvements across the division. Goal 3 focuses on promoting academic growth and excellence among all students by equipping them with essential academic skills.
September is Attendance Awareness Month. FCPS encourages families to establish routines that help children arrive at school on time every day—such as setting regular bedtimes and preparing materials in advance—to foster consistent attendance habits.
The Adult and Community Education (ACE) program is seeking instructors with expertise in various fields including trades, health care business sectors, world languages, STEM subjects, test preparation, career exploration, cooking and crafts among others.
Due to a special election scheduled by Governor Glenn Youngkin for Tuesday, September 9 in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District—and because many schools serve as polling locations—all FCPS schools will close on that day. Information about meal services at select sites is available through official channels.
Additionally, elementary schools in several pyramids—including Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon among others—will release three hours early on Wednesday September 10 due to limited early release scheduling.
On September 11—the National Day of Service—FCPS recognizes those lost during the events of September 11th as well as first responders’ heroism and national resilience. Students are encouraged to participate in service learning activities aligned with Portrait of a Graduate attributes and social-emotional learning goals; middle and high schoolers can access more information through their Naviance accounts.
