A 3rd grade student at Bull Run Elementary School learns about the evolution of ladybugs during her language arts lesson.

Weekly Reflections: Introducing Favorite Book Friday

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid kicked off Favorite Book Friday last week with 3rd grader Grace on the FCPS Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels. 

Check out Weekly Reflections to learn more and share your favorite book from elementary school with the FCPS community.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join Dr. Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. Childcare and translation services will be available. 

Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed

The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:

• Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
• Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.

Be sure to check your email (subject line: Filter Portal Weekly Report) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here

The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in.

Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026. 

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.

Digital Literacy Resources for Families

As part of the division’s continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.

The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.

Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.

Tap On and Tap Off, It’s Easy! Please help all our bus riders remember to tap on and tap off the school bus each day. About 80% of students on buses are following this process correctly, which is a great start! Learn more about student IDs and bus navigation. Families wishing to see where their child’s bus is should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus app.

Traffic Safety Near Our Schools

We understand that families may need to drop off or pick up their children at school from time to time. Please familiarize yourself with your school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff. 

Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of a school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school. 

Always follow all signs and directions posted at schools, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our schools. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!! 

The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.

Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu

Our new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration (including ramen bowls, pictured above). Check your school’s new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback and developed by our executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts. Menu items include: 

• Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
• Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips. 

Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to our Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.

Food and Nutrition Services Job Fair

Join Team FCPS! Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting an in-person Food and Nutrition Services job fair on Thursday, September 24, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 6840 Industrial Road, Springfield. 

Registration is not required to attend. Current available positions include hourly food services worker and van driver. Learn more about the job fair and candidate requirements.

Review and Sign SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren). 

Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by next Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet to their child’s school. 

Cellphones and Personal 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 on the FCPS website. 

Understanding the Acceptable Use Policy

FCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:

• Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
• Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
• Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work, personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
• Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
• Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.

Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.

We All Belong

Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.

If you or your family needs any kind of support, please reach out to your school’s front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 

Every Student, Every Day: Principal Builds Belonging to Improve Attendance

At Brookfield Elementary School, every day starts with a warm greeting, a friendly smile, and a high five. Principal Lesley Hassen knows that for students to attend school regularly and thrive academically, they must first feel safe, valued, and connected. Read about Hassen and why she was named an Outstanding New Principal finalist last school year

Tiny Bugs, Big Learning: FCPS Students Experience Hands-On Science

Third grade students are connecting their learning in language arts and science. While their Benchmark Advance language arts lessons highlight animal adaptations, they are also observing the life cycle of a ladybug in their science lessons.

But how do we safely get science kits into classrooms across the county? Check out this video about science kits.

Innovation on Wheels: How FCPS Resources Bring STEM Opportunities to Herndon High

Hundreds of Herndon High students entered a nearly 1,000-square-foot mobile science lab last week, trying out all sorts of science challenges. They’re working with professional-grade lab tools via MX Labs, a mobile STEM lab brought to the school at no cost, courtesy of a grant. The visit is one way in which FCPS uses its network of partnerships to bring high-tech learning experiences to schools across the county. Read about these students’ experiences.  

2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

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 help us align our efforts. 

This week, we’re highlighting Goal 5, which focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

The Importance of the Flu Vaccination

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. Staying up-to-date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

• Reduce school absences.
• Protect the community.
• Support overall wellness.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Calendar Reminder: Early Release Wednesday

Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early on Wednesday, September 30:

• Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Lake Braddock, South Lakes, West Springfield, and Woodson.