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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
School Visits, Celebrating Champions, Our New Student Leaders, Budget Decisions, and Happy Holidays!
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been an exciting and inspiring time across the Providence District, filled with moments that celebrate the heart of our schools and the strength of our community. From hosting lawmakers at our amazing schools for “Take Your Legislator to School Month,” to cheering on the Oakton Cougars as they made history winning the first-ever FCPS girls flag football championship, to rolling up our sleeves at Oakmont Park for Fairfax PRISM’s Tree Rescuers Week of Action event, to welcoming our newest student leaders into the Leadership Development Program, there’s so much to be proud of. These are the moments that show the strength of our community at its very best.
This newsletter includes important updates and opportunities, including the Providence District Winter Coat and Gear Drive, showtimes for upcoming performances featuring the work of Providence students, and key dates in the FY27 budget process — a critical conversation about ensuring our schools have the funding they need to deliver the programs our students deserve. I hope you’ll stay engaged, make your voice heard, and continue to support our students, staff, and community.
Thank you, as always, for being part of what makes the Providence District such a vibrant and supportive place to live and learn. Wishing all who celebrate a wonderful holiday season!
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Closer Look: The Jobs That Keep Our Schools Running
Behind the Library Desk at Mantua Elementary
What a great morning at Mantua ES, starting with reading “Turkey Trouble” to first graders, followed by a shift behind the library desk, and wrapping up with classroom visits where students were hard at work on their Thanksgiving art projects.
Thanks to Principal Shannon and her team for such a warm welcome, and a special thanks to librarian Katherine Marmol and library assistant Avril Donat for entrusting me with the library scanner. I loved having the opportunity to chat with students who were so excited to tell me about the books they chose and their plans for reading them over the Thanksgiving break.
Shadowing a Bus Driver to Pine Spring Elementary
I couldn’t have asked for a better way to return from Thanksgiving break than riding Bus PS-01 with a well-behaved group of Pine Spring students, and our terrific bus driver, Mr. Spaulding. I’m grateful to Principal Yacubovich for welcoming me into the classrooms and giving me the chance to see the great work underway at Pine Spring. And it was wonderful to meet the staff who arrive early each morning to serve breakfast and ensure students start the day nourished and ready to learn.
Cleaning with the Custodial Team at Shrevewood Elementary
My visit to Shrevewood began with a tour led by two charming students who were very proud to show off their school. After that, I joined the custodial team to get a firsthand look at just how much work goes into cleaning the building at the end of the school day. The learning environment students walk into each morning exists because of the work custodians do the day before. Many thanks to Principal Vandawalker for taking the time on a busy, snowy day to host the visit!
Winter Weather Has Arrived — Here’s What to Expect
The safety of our students and staff is always the top priority when decisions must be made about weather-related closures or delays. Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
The FCPS website is generally the first place to check for emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
During the school day, we will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors when conditions allow.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Providence District Winter Gear Drive
The Office of Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, along with several community partners, is collecting new and gently used coats, beanies, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, and other winter gear until January 16 for Second Story, Committee for Helping Others, The Lamb Center, and Northern Virginia Family Services. [More information and Drop-Off Locations]
Welcoming Legislators to Providence Schools
November was the Virginia School Boards Association’s annual Take Your Legislator to School Month, and I’m grateful to our state and federal lawmakers who joined me for visits to schools across Providence District. Their support for public education is always greatly appreciated.
Freedom Hill Elementary School
Our first stop was Freedom Hill Elementary School, where Principal Zapadka and I welcomed Senator Saddam Salim and Delegate Holly Seibold. We were blown away by our very poised 5th-grade student guides and enjoyed the classroom visits and thoughtful conversations with students and staff.
Oakton Elementary School
Next, Principal Kelley and I welcomed Delegate David Bulova to Oakton Elementary School. We appreciated the classroom visits and the opportunity to learn more about the school’s academic progress.
Mosaic Elementary School
Our final stop was Mosaic Elementary School with Congressman James Walkinshaw, where we joined Principal Aste for a tour of classrooms and a conversation about the school’s impressive academic (and renovation) progress. The transformation is stunning!
Our visit to Mosaic turned into an epic celebration after the school was selected for Tommy’s Teacher Tour, an initiative from the Virginia Lottery and NBC Washington’s Tommy McFly that honors outstanding educators across the commonwealth.
Teachers and staff were recognized for all they do and treated to Virginia Lottery scratchers and goodies from Georgetown Cupcake. In addition to Mosaic, Providence District’s Stenwood Elementary was also selected for Tommy’s Teacher Tour this year!
Survey: Share Your Ideas to Improve Route 29
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is conducting an Active Transportation Study of the Route 29 Corridor and is seeking community feedback to better understand how residents and commuters use the corridor — and to identify improvements that would make it safer and more accessible for everyone, whether walking, biking, taking transit, or driving.
Your feedback matters! Take the Route 29 Active Transportation Survey and share how you use Route 29 and what improvements you’d like to see. Feedback will be accepted through the close of business on Friday, December 19, 2025. To learn more about the project, please see the informational flyers — available in both English and Spanish.
Fairfax Tree Rescuers Week of Action
It was a Saturday morning well spent volunteering alongside Congressman Walkinshaw for Fairfax PRISM’s Tree Rescuers Week of Action event at Oakmont Park. We joined community members, including students from Oakton, Madison, and Woodson, to learn about the impacts of invasive plants (pro-tip: wisteria may be gorgeous, but it’s literally choking our native trees!), and to help remove invasive plant species. I was grateful for the chance to support Fairfax County’s natural spaces and to volunteer some time with such a dedicated community.
Welcoming Our Providence Student Leader
I was delighted to welcome Oakton High School sophomore Nadia Meares as Providence District’s representative in this year’s Student Leadership Development Program. As part of the initiative, students recently attended an orientation session where they met their cohort and received an overview of the program and how it will deepen their understanding of FCPS governance. I look forward to supporting Nadia and her peers as they begin this dynamic leadership experience.
Oakton Cougars Win the First-Ever FCPS Girls Flag Football Title
Congratulations to the Oakton Cougars on making history as the first-ever FCPS girls flag football champions, finishing the season undefeated with a 10–0 record! This inaugural season, made possible thanks to a partnership with the Washington Commanders, was a milestone for FCPS, with 775 students signing on to play across the division. Girls flag football is opening doors to college scholarship opportunities — and Olympic competition beginning in 2028.
Key Budget Decision Dates and How You Can Get Involved
Our budget funds the world-class teachers, rigorous academics, and future-ready learning experiences that make our schools among the best in the nation. Read our budget story — what makes us exceptional and how underfunding threatens the excellence our community has come to expect and help us write our next chapter by understanding the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Make your voice heard and help strengthen our schools, our students, and our community.
Key Budget Decision Dates:
- January 22: FCPS Superintendent releases the proposed budget
- February 26: School Board adopts the FY27 advertised budget
- April 14: School Board presents FCPS’ budget to the BOS
- May 5: BOS adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS
- May 7: Approved budget presented to the School Board
- May 21: School Board adopts FY27 approved budget
It’s Showtime for Providence’s Talented Students
Below is a list of Providence District’s remaining winter band, orchestra, and choir performances scheduled before winter break:
Marshall High School
- Winter Choir Concert, Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
- Winter Band Concert, Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Oakton High School
- Winter Band Concert / Mass Chaos (All Bands – Concert, Symphonic, Percussion, and Jazz), Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
McLean High School
- Winter Choir Concert, Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
- Winter Orchestra Concert, Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Woodson High School
- Winter Choir Concert, Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
Madison High School
- Winter Choir Concert, Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.
Read for the Gold Over Break!
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visit your local FCPL branch or the Winter | 