Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Michelle Reid reflected on a week of activities and achievements across the school division in her latest update to staff. The message highlighted community engagement, student accomplishments, and ongoing partnerships supporting educational goals.
Reid attended Back to School Night events at Crossfield and Greenbriar East elementary schools, noting the strong sense of partnership among families, teachers, and administrators. “Both schools have built welcoming communities that truly embody the spirit of collaboration, and it’s clear that students will benefit from this shared commitment to their success. Together, all things are possible – especially for our students. Go Rockets!! Go Roadrunners!!”
She also participated in a meeting with the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Board of Directors at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus. Reid emphasized the importance of aligning education with workforce needs: “Partnerships like these are essential as we align education with the evolving needs of our community and economy, and provide students with responsive opportunities that align with current and future opportunities after high school and college.”
Athletics were another focus during visits to various sports events at Woodson, Robinson, Centreville, Oakton, South County, West Springfield, and others. Reid commented on the value of athletics: “As I’ve shared before, athletics programs at FCPS teach students important lessons about collaboration, perseverance, and working towards a common goal.”
At an Educate Fairfax Board retreat held at Virginia Tech’s academic building on Wednesday morning, long-term strategy was discussed for supporting FCPS students through partnerships within Fairfax County. According to Reid: “The goal of last week’s retreat was to focus on long-term strategy, governance, development and fundraising… so Educate Fairfax’s goals — specifically student access and opportunity, teacher and staff support, and alumni and community engagement — can better reinforce our work.”
A Family Vision Group meeting at Oakton High School allowed parents to discuss budget issues, safety concerns, and FCPS’ Future-Ready Index—a tool designed to provide families a broader understanding of student success beyond standardized test scores.
International connections were fostered through a meeting with representatives from Seoul’s Dongjak District Council. Topics included digital literacy and organizational leadership structures.
During Thursday’s School Board meeting Academic Matters segment, updated Standards of Learning (SOL) results showed FCPS outperforming state averages in reading (79% pass rate), mathematics (78%), and science (75%) for 2025. State averages stood lower in each category. Reid noted curriculum changes made tests more challenging but praised staff efforts: “I would like to point out that this past year there was a new reading and math curriculum…and our students still raised their scores! This is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff!”
Algebra 1 pass rates were reported as 100% for sixth- and seventh-grade test-takers; eighth graders achieved a 95% pass rate.
Reid also announced that 262 FCPS high school students have been named National Merit Semifinalists for 2026—a 40% increase over last year’s total. She stated: “This recognition follows their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and reflects not only academic excellence but also remarkable effort…”
Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) operations were reviewed during the Strategic Plan Update portion of the board meeting. FNS serves about 110,000 meals daily across nearly 200 sites—including breakfast, lunch, after-school meals—and introduced over 20 new menu items while maintaining service during weather closures.
Other highlights included Timber Lane Elementary School’s anniversary celebration; Wakefield Forest Elementary School’s ribbon cutting; upcoming boundary meetings for public feedback; musical performances by Langston Hughes Panther Chorale at Hunters Woods Senior Living facility; Rolling Valley Elementary’s Chalk the Walk event; Oakton High School Homecoming festivities; Langley High School’s Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament supporting charitable causes; among other activities.
Reid concluded her message by quoting Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” She encouraged continued presence in schools as opportunities arise throughout fall.
