Spring 2026

FCPS Wellness Newsletter

Spring Break Travel Plans? Make Sure You’re Protected Against Measles

Before you travel for spring break, make sure you and your loved ones are fully protected against measles. There are cases and outbreaks of measles in progress throughout the United States. Try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. 

If you can’t find your records, you can check your immunization status by calling your healthcare provider or request your records from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Stay informed about measles and read this important information from the Fairfax County Health Department.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders

All students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of each of the following immunizations:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination.The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination. 

All students entering 12th grade are required to have one dose of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) administered at age 16 or older.

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. 

Make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider or check out these immunization resources to find out where to get your child immunized.

Register for No-Cost Immunizations

Inspire Health Alliance is providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Awareness Week — March 8-14

Coinciding with Daylight Saving Time, Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. This is the perfect time to focus on the critical link between sleep and health (both physical and mental) and prioritize healthy sleep habits.

Read more about FCPS Sleep Health Education and Sleep Strategies.

March is National Nutrition Month: Discover the Power of Nutrition

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.” This month, we celebrate how food fuels our bodies, brains, and daily success. Nutrition isn’t just about food on a plate — it’s about feeling energized, focused, and ready to take on the day!

At Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), we’re excited to help students, staff, and families fuel their bodies every single day with nutritious school meals.

What Does “Power of Nutrition” Really Mean?

When you “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” you can unlock better health by:

• Powering your day with a variety of foods.
• Practicing healthy habits that fit in your budget.
• Building sustainable habits for long‑term wellness.

Good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about enjoying foods that help you feel your best.

What Our FNS Registered Dietitians Do

The FCPS FNS team has six registered dietitians working behind the scenes — but what do they actually do? Our dietitians:

• Plan balanced, nourishing menus for schools.
• Tailor meals that are inclusive and allergy-friendly.
• Help students and staff make healthy choices.

Registered dietitians have completed specialized education, hands-on training, and national credentialing to help FCPS nourish.

How FCPS Helps You Discover Nutrition Every Day

Here at FCPS, we are committed to serving healthier meals. Our registered dietitian team has developed internal standards that will make our food even healthier. We nourish with: 

• Balanced meals with color and variety: School menus include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy to help power brains and bodies.
• Serve quality meals without additives: FCPS has eliminated high fructose corn syrup, animal proteins with fillers, trans fat, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors from school meals.
• Build your tray your way: Students choose from a variety of food groups in the cafeteria and learn how to create balanced meals that work for them. 
• Culturally diverse and inclusive menus: FNS celebrates flavors from around the world while offering vegetarian, vegan, and halal or kosher suitable options.
• Provides access for all: From meal kits for students who are fasting to take-home meals during closures and snow days, nobody misses out.

Let’s Celebrate Nutrition Together!

Nutrition has the power to strengthen learning, support healthy growth, and build lifelong sustainable habits. This National Nutrition Month, we invite FCPS students, families, and staff to discover your power through food! Here are some ways you can participate:

• Create balanced meals and snacks.
• Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions.
• Move your body.
• Explore new food and flavors.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Prepare balanced meals at home.
• Get to know food labels.
• Reduce food waste. 

Whether you’re trying a new vegetable, choosing whole grains, or learning more about what fuels you best, small choices add up to a big impact.

Every Kid Healthy Week — April 20-24

Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance to spread awareness regarding the health of children through nutrition, mental health, physical activity, and learning. Children who are healthy and active from a young age, grow up into healthy adults. Healthy kids are able to learn better and be more successful.

Daily health focus this year are highlighted below:

• Monday, April 20: Mindfulness Monday (Mental Health and Wellness)
• Tuesday, April 21:Tasty Tuesday (Nutrition Education)
• Wednesday, April 22: Wellness Wednesday (Physical Activity)
• Thursday, April 23: Thoughtful Thursday (Vaping/Nicotine Prevention)
• Friday, April 24: Family Friday (Family Engagement)

Whether at school or at home, events and activities should promote and reinforce healthy habits, good nutrition, emotional health, and physical activity.  For fun ideas and resources, please visit Action for Healthy Kids.

Springtime Safety Tips

Spring is here! With warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. However, staying safe is just as important as having fun. Keep these essential safety tips in mind as you embrace the season.

Beware of Insects

With spring’s arrival, insects become more active. If you plan to spend time outdoors, wear appropriate insect repellent and protective clothing. Be cautious of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, honey bees, and fire ants. While these insects are not usually aggressive, they may sting if they feel threatened.

If you are stung:

• Leave the area immediately to avoid multiple stings.

• Remove the stinger by scraping it off with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card.

• Wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress.

• Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hoarseness, dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness.

• If you have a known insect allergy and are prescribed epinephrine, always carry your epinephrine device like an EpiPen® with you.

Stay Safe While Playing Sports

Springtime means outdoor sports are back in full swing. Protect yourself from injuries by wearing appropriate safety gear. Be aware of concussion symptoms, as they can result from head impacts.

Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Temporary loss of consciousness.

• Headache or pressure in the head.

• Confusion or feeling foggy.

• Amnesia surrounding the event.

• Dizziness.

Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may be delayed. If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention right away.

Bicycle Safety

Biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but safety comes first:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.

• Parents should set an example by wearing helmets as well.

• Avoid biking at night for better visibility.

• Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signs.

• Ensure your bicycle is in good working condition before heading out.

Hiking Safety

Hiking is a fantastic way to explore nature, but proper preparation is key:

• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

• Bring plenty of water and a small first aid kit.

• Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a fun and injury-free spring season. Stay safe and make the most of the great outdoors!

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/make-this-spring-a-safe-one

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-healthy-stay-safe-outside-in-spring

FCPS Wellness Reporting Begins

Beginning Monday, April 6, FCPS will implement annual wellness reporting, as required by FCPS Regulation 2100. Previous wellness reporting results for each school are available to the public and may be accessed on the FCPS Wellness Reporting Webpage.

Each principal will be emailed a link with instructions on how to complete their wellness reporting for SY 25-26. The reporting window will open on April 6 and close on April 17.

Each school has identified a Wellness Committee, including a staff wellness liaison and two additional wellness team members. Wellness committee members may be asked by administrators to support wellness reporting in their school communities. Thank you in advance for your support of FCPS wellness reporting.