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Boundary Review Update, Budget Decisions, Student Achievements, Community Events, and More
Dear Neighbors,
I hope the New Year is off to a strong start for you and your family. As we begin 2026, the months ahead bring important conversations and moments for the Providence District, from important milestones in the Superintendent’s boundary review and key budget decision points, to celebrations of student achievement, cultural events that bring our community together, and new initiatives focused on safety and opportunity for our students and staff.
This edition of our newsletter includes updates on the final stages of the boundary review process, ways to engage in the budget conversation, highlights of remarkable student accomplishments, and information about community events, performances, and career opportunities with FCPS.
Thank you for staying engaged and for all you do to support our schools and our community.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Boundary Review Final Stages
As the Superintendent’s countywide boundary review process approaches its conclusion, Dr. Reid has proposed amended recommendations in response to continued public comment, community feedback, and conversations with Board members and staff. On Thursday, January 22, at 6:15 p.m., the Board will hold a final public hearing on the Superintendent’s revised boundary proposals. Later that evening, during the regular Board meeting, we will vote on the amended boundary recommendation and implementation.
Providence District Lunar New Year Open House
You’re invited to join Supervisor Palchik and Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) for the Providence District Lunar New Year Open House celebrating the Year of the Horse — a joyful, family-friendly event highlighting the rich cultural traditions of our Asian communities — Thursday, January 22, 5:30–7:00 p.m. [Register Here]
FCPS Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, from 6:00–8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School.
This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
Asian Community Service Center’s Annual Chinese New Year Festival
Join the Asian Community Service Center for its 17th annual Chinese New Year Festival, Saturday, February 14, from 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. [Additional Information]
Nine FCPS Students Among Nation’s Top 300 Teen Scientists
The Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Nine of the 300 scholars are FCPS students. I’m especially proud to recognize Providence District student Madeline Levorson of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology for earning this distinguished honor.
2026 Hispanic Leadership Alliance Scholarship Application
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship is for a first-generation Latino/Hispanic student from Fairfax County Public Schools. A first-generation Latino/Hispanic student is one born abroad or to immigrant parents in the United States. The student must be the first one in their family to attend a post-secondary educational institution. HLA will award several $1,000 scholarships at the Annual HLA Scholarship Celebration and Reception in May. Please send any questions regarding the application process to Jane Cruz at jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com or call 202-207-5839. Applications are due by February 20, 2026. [Apply Here]
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student.
Immunization services are also available through the Fairfax County Health Department, which is offering walk-in hours on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment required.
Key Budget Decision Dates and How You Can Get Involved
Our budget funds the world-class educators, 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. 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
Oakton Restaurant Week and Birthday Celebration
Oakton Restaurant Week is underway and runs through January 25, with 15 local favorites participating. Also during Restaurant Week, Greater Oakton Community Association (GOCA) invites you to its annual celebration of Oakton’s Birthday on Saturday, January 24, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Settle Down Easy Brewing. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate Oakton, support a local business, and connect with neighbors.
Winter–Spring Theatre Schedule (for Schools Attended by Providence Students)
Mark your calendar to come out and support the arts in our community while cheering on the incredible work of our students and educators. You won’t be disappointed!
Marshall High School
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A Night of Laughter – One-Act Festival [Tickets]
- Thu–Fri, Jan 22–23 | 7:00 PM
Falls Church High School
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Student Directed One Act Festival (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
- Fri–Sat, May 8–9 | 7:00 PM
Oakton High School
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Clue [Tickets]
- Thu–Fri, Feb 12–13 | 7:00 PM
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A Night of One Acts (Tickets available at the door)
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Little Shop of Horrors [Tickets]
- Fri, Mar 13 | 7:00 PM
- Sat, Mar 14 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
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Anything Goes (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
McLean High School
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Men On Boats (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
Woodson High School
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Disney's Finding Nemo JR. The Musical [Tickets]
Madison High School
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Zombie Prom [Tickets]
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Thu–Fri, Apr 23–24 | 7:00 PM
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Sat, Apr 25 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Fairfax High School
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Something Rotten (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
- Thu, Apr 30 | 7:00 PM
- Fri, May 1 | 7:00 PM
- Sat, May 2 | 1:00 PM
- Thu–Fri, May 7–8 | 7:00 PM
- Sat, May 9 | 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
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She Kills Monsters; Young Adventurers Edition [Tickets]
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Thu–Fri, Jan 22–23 | 7:00 PM
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Sat, Jan 24 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts
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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying [Tickets]
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