Students share a beloved book at Cub Run Elementary School.
Save the Date: Community Conversations With Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
-
Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
-
Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
-
Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
-
Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
-
Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
-
Friday, November 13, at Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
A Look Back at the First Day of School
Last week, Dr. Reid updated families on the great successes she saw on the first day of school! This includes nearly 6,000 bus routes that visit 45,000 bus stops daily with 94% of the routes running on time!
Dr. Reid urged families with students who are assigned to a school bus to use this service whenever possible instead of kiss-and-ride. Read more in Dr. Reid’s message to families.
FCPS SOL Results Maintain Strong Student Achievement
The 2026 FCPS Standards of Learning (SOL) results show our students continuing to significantly outperform state averages.
In addition, the annual pass rates released by the Virginia Department of Education on August 25 show continued gains for FCPS across all three required testing subjects: reading, math, and science. Since the pandemic, all three subjects have had significant shifts in standards and level of rigor for state assessments, yet our students have continued to improve their scores.
In addition, FCPS is proud to have six of the top 10 high schools in Virginia and the number six school in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. Read more about how FCPS ranks compared to other state and national public school divisions.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff.
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Prepare Your Child for Safety Drills
Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. They must notify parents and caregivers at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools do not have to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. Preschool and kindergarten students do not participate in the first lockdown drill.
By law, the first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with them about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your student before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for students, families, and staff to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
Anonymous Safety Tip Line
If you or your child have concerns or information related to feeling unsafe in any way at school, please report them to the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line. You can access it anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).
If your tip is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.
Students, staff, parents and caregivers, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
If you have concerns about programs, regulations, policies, or other topics that do not impact the safety of our schools, please contact the FCPS ombuds online, at 571-423-4014, or ombuds@fcps.edu.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Call for Presenters: Share Your Expertise!
Do you have strategies, resources, or expertise that our FCPS families could benefit from? FCPS staff members are invited to lead breakout sessions on topics that inform, support, and empower families. MyPDE credit will be awarded to presenters.
Submit a session proposal by Friday, September 18.
Call for Exhibitors: Showcase Your Program or Resources!
FCPS programs and community partners are invited to host a table in the exhibitor hall and connect our families with valuable services, programs, and resources.
Register to be an exhibitor by Friday, October 30.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.
See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Building Supportive School Communities
In the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, the topic was Building Supportive School Communities, which is part of Goal 2 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. Every student will experience an equitable school community where student health and well-being are prioritized, and student voice is centered.
Dr. Reid shared a video about building supportive school communities, in which staff members and students spoke about the importance of being greeted by name, having trusted adults to turn to, feeling comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, and knowing that their ideas matter. Read more in Weekly Reflections.
Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits!
If you or your family needs any kind of support, please reach out to the front office of your school. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Cellphone and Device Policy Reminders
A new School Board requirement prohibits students from using personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.
Calendar Reminders: Labor Day (Holiday)
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening before Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately before Labor Day.
Want an easy way to track future school holidays, teacher workdays, and early dismissals? Check the calendar feature in the FCPS mobile app anytime, no login needed! Find out about more features of the app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
Limited Early Release Wednesdays for Elementary Schools
Early release Wednesdays will start in late September 2026. Each elementary school will have four of these early release days throughout the school year. Learn more and view dates for early release Wednesdays.
September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
With the upcoming 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. X2VOL is an online tool that FCPS middle and high schools use to support students with finding, tracking, and verifying service hours. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into Schoology to access their x2VOL account.
Quick Links
|
