Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Michelle Reid reflected on a week marked by community engagement, student achievements, and progress in educational initiatives as the district enters March.
Reid highlighted the recent observance of Public Schools Week, which celebrates the role public schools play in communities. She noted that FCPS continues to expand opportunities for students, including increased access to Algebra I and the addition of five new athletic programs. “The power and promise of public education are the bedrock of this great country. This work matters!!” Reid stated.
To foster dialogue within the school community, Reid announced a series of Community Conversations and Employee Conversations scheduled throughout March and April at various elementary schools across Fairfax County. “As a listening leader, connecting and engaging with community members and staff across our division is critical to me,” she said.
Reid recounted several notable events from the past week:
– Andrea Smith, counselor at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), led 34 students on a field trip to the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in Baltimore. The students participated in mentoring sessions with military STEM professionals.
– Sidney Ide, last year’s winner of the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge from Herndon High School, returned as a judge this year. Bonnie Moore, executive director for Real Food for Kids, said: “The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge gives students a chance to work with their school districts and have a voice in what’s served in their cafeterias. They learn that healthy food can be delicious and belongs in every school.”
– Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta visited John R. Lewis High School to speak with students about activism and service.
– The Aspiring Principals Academy convened at Gatehouse Administration Center to support future leaders within FCPS.
– Athletic competitions took place at Centreville High School during playoff basketball games.
– The second annual FCPS Black History Month Celebration was held at C.G. Woodson High School, featuring student presentations and remarks from Reverend Vernon Walton.
– Student artists were recognized at both the Artifax awards ceremony at Ernst Cultural Community Center and FCCPTA Reflections Awards at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Academic progress was also discussed during last Thursday’s School Board meeting. Reid presented data showing improvements in writing skills among elementary students following implementation of the Benchmark Advance K-6 Writing Curriculum:
– Third-grade performance increased from 52% to 69%.
– Fourth-grade results rose from 57% to 78%.
– Fifth grade saw a 23% improvement in meeting end-of-year writing expectations.
Early-year data indicated more students performing at intermediate or advanced levels in foundational writing skills such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure compared to previous years.
Reid emphasized that writing proficiency remains important beyond academics: surveys show that most employers require strong writing skills when hiring new employees.
The Fairfax County School Board adopted its Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget focused on sustaining excellence through competitive compensation aligned with strategic goals. Community members are encouraged to provide feedback through upcoming county budget hearings between March 2–April 16 via information available on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website.
Other events included Lorton Station Elementary’s SPARK Expo: Science and Engineering Fair—where projects ranged from testing paper towel strength to studying electrical currents produced by fruits—and Hayfield Secondary’s Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge showcasing student culinary talents alongside local chefs.
Concluding her message with inspiration drawn from composer Frederic Chopin—“Simplicity is the final achievement… it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art”—Reid wished everyone an enjoyable start to March.
