Give $5, Make an Impact & See What’s New This Fall
Dear Educate Fairfax Supporter:
There is so much to be excited about at Educate Fairfax this fall! From launching new ways for FCPS employees to support students and one another, to helping educators bring innovative ideas to life, to celebrating the incredible creativity of our students, September is a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish together.
We’re also thrilled to welcome new team and Board members who bring fresh energy, experience, and a shared commitment to our mission. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read about all that’s happening and the many ways you can be part of it. Thank you, as always, for believing in our students, supporting our educators, and helping us work toward a future where every FCPS student has a path to success.
We encourage you to follow us on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter), where we share the stories of our grant recipients, along with other inspiring news about what's happening to improve educational outcomes across our school division.
Warm wishes,
Dr. Lynette Henry
Executive Director
Educate Fairfax
You Give Your Best Every Day. Let’s Make Sure Someone Has Your Back.
Join the Employee Giving Campaign that Gives Back - (Where 20% Directly Protects Colleagues in Need).
Before the first bell rings, Fairfax County educators and staff are already giving beyond the contract; buying classroom supplies out of pocket, mentoring after hours, and ensuring hungry students have snacks. We see what you give, and we honor it.
That is why Educate Fairfax is launching the Give Me $5 Employee Giving Campaign. This year, your giving is not about asking you to do more; it is about educators standing shoulder-to-shoulder with educators.
When you commit just $5 a month (or per paycheck), your gift does two critical things:
-
80% Fuels Classroom Innovation: Direct support for teacher-led classroom grants, student literacy, STEAM tools, and essential supplies across FCPS pyramids.
-
20% Protects Your Peers: Automatically directed into the new Educator Emergency Relief Fund. A confidential, peer-reviewed fund providing rapid financial assistance to FCPS colleagues facing sudden emergencies, medical crises, or personal hardship.
When thousands of us pitch in $5, we build an unbreakable safety net for our students and our colleagues down the hall.
Wear your support: As our sincere thank you, all enrolled staff will receive an official I ❤️ FCPS T-shirt to wear on school spirit days.
Stand With Your Colleagues: Give $5 a Month
Click the link above or sign up here.
Big Ideas Start Here: Innovation Grant Applications Are Open
Every great idea deserves the chance to grow.
Educate Fairfax Innovation Grant applications are now open, giving school-based FCPS educators and staff the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 to turn creative ideas into meaningful learning experiences for students.
From robotics clubs and student-run cafés to culinary programs, community service projects, and more, Innovation Grants put resources directly into the hands of educators who know their students best.
Last school year, Educate Fairfax awarded 129 grants totaling more than $210,000 across 117 schools, impacting nearly 47,000 students. Now, we want to go even further.
Our goal is to fund an Innovation Grant in every FCPS school and center.
That takes all of us. With the support of donors and community partners, we can help more educators bring their ideas to life and give more students access to innovative opportunities that inspire them to learn, explore, and grow.
Learn more about the impact of Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants.
FCPS educators and staff: Applications are open through October 4.
Apply here>>
Community members and partners: Help us put more innovative ideas within reach.
Donate here>>
Celebrate FCPS Student Talent at Macy’s Fashion Gala
Fashion, creativity, and community take center stage this Saturday! Join Macy’s Fair Oaks and Educate Fairfax for a special Fashion Gala celebrating the creativity and achievements of Fairfax County Public Schools students.
The student-produced event will feature fashion presentations, a live DJ, photo booth, complimentary Raising Cane’s snacks, and more.
Saturday, September 26 | 3–5 p.m.
Macy’s Fair Oaks Furniture Gallery
11700L Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033
The celebration is part of Macy’s Round Up & Give Back campaign, running September 15–October 15, with proceeds supporting Educate Fairfax and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program.
Shop these local Macy’s stores and round up to help local students. Both Macy’s Fair Oaks Mall locations, Macy’s Tysons Corner, and Macy’s Springfield.
We’re grateful to Macy’s for its continued partnership and investment in FCPS students. Come celebrate their creativity and help support their path to success!
Welcoming Our Newest Educate Fairfax Team Members
Educate Fairfax is excited to welcome Ray Bolton and Chris Rucker to our team! Both Ray and Chris bring extensive experience in philanthropy, relationship building, and strategic growth, along with a shared commitment to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for students.
Ray Bolton, Director of Philanthropy
Ray is an accomplished philanthropic strategist and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with 20 years of experience turning community vision into meaningful investment and impact.
As Director of Philanthropy, Ray will lead strategic donor engagement, fundraising growth, and high-impact partnerships that help Educate Fairfax expand opportunities for FCPS students and educators.
His diverse background spans nonprofit development, workforce innovation, youth coaching, and mental health advocacy, bringing both strategic expertise and a deep commitment to community to his work.
|
Chris Rucker, Development & Community Engagement Manager
Chris is a relationship-driven executive and business development leader with extensive experience in nonprofit development, philanthropic engagement, organizational growth, wealth management, and strategic partnerships.
Throughout his career, Chris has focused on connecting people, organizations, and resources to create lasting value and meaningful impact. He brings to Educate Fairfax a strong combination of business acumen, relationship-building expertise, and a passion for philanthropy and community engagement.
We are thrilled to welcome Ray and Chris to Educate Fairfax and look forward to the energy, experience, and connections they will bring as we work together toward our vision that every FCPS student has a path to success.
|
Welcome Our Newest Board Members
Educate Fairfax is pleased to welcome Sandy Anderson and Neal Rife to our Board of Directors! Both bring valuable experience, a strong commitment to our community, and a shared belief in creating opportunities for FCPS students to succeed.
Sandy Anderson, Springfield District Representative FCPS School Board
Sandy is a Northern Virginia native, proud FCPS graduate, and the Springfield District representative on the Fairfax County School Board.
A graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School and George Mason University, Sandy spent 14 years teaching college English before supporting Department of Defense youth programs focused on STEAM education and helping students at risk of not graduating.
Her commitment to public education also includes seven years of service on the Silverbrook Elementary PTO Board, including five years as president.
|
Neal Rife, General Manager of Porsche Tysons Corner
Neal Rife is General Manager of Porsche Tysons Corner, part of Penske Automotive Group, and brings more than 20 years of automotive industry experience to the Board.
Recognized by Automotive News as a 2024 40 Under 40 honoree, Neal is passionate about developing people, supporting his community, and creating opportunities for students.
As the husband of a teacher and father of three, he also brings a personal appreciation for the important role educators play in shaping the next generation.
|
We are excited to have Sandy and Neal bring their leadership, experience, and passion to Educate Fairfax as we work toward our vision that every FCPS student has a path to success.
Please join us in welcoming Sandy and Neal to the Educate Fairfax Board!
|
