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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
I enjoy sharing School Board meeting updates to keep you informed about the work the Board is doing. However, it is particularly special when an update can include news about Franconia schools and teachers bringing a joyous celebration to a School Board meeting. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Crestwood Elementary students accompanied by their music teachers and the Lewis High School Mariachi instructor did just that. Their uplifting rendition of De Colores brought the audience to its feet for a standing ovation. The spirit of what happens in our schools on a daily basis was on full display in that performance.
After an uplifting start to our regular meeting, the Board had a robust conversation that ran the gamut from PreK/K device use, State and Federal Legislative priorities and Financial Planning. I supported the Superintendent and ETRC recommendation for a limited carve out of device use to provide early literacy support for kindergarten students needing extra help. I also supported the motion that provides parents of elementary-aged students the option to opt their students out of the Lexia and/or ST Math platforms. In an effort to get more data, I supported the motions that directed the Superintendent to provide an independent evaluation of the cost and effectiveness of digital tools used by FCPS. Updates to the rest of the items discussed at the Board meeting can be found in this newsletter.
As I sign off, I hope you’re enjoying the arrival of fall as much as I am. The changing leaves, crisp air and warm cider or hot chocolate make this one of my favorite times of year. It’s also a great time to cheer on local middle and high school athletes and performing artists. And if you’re a parent or caregiver, please take a few minutes to share your school travel and safety experiences in the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey, your voice matters and the deadline is tomorrow October 15. You’ll find more information under FCPS News You Need.
Kind Regards,
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the School Board Meeting October 8th
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Crestwood Elementary choir performed a moving rendition of the beloved song, “De Colores.”
Thank you to the incredible music teachers who organized and accompanied this amazing performance: Chelsea Heckenkamp and Daniel Cranbill from Crestwood Elementary and Anselmo Mata, Lewis High School Mariachi teacher. And a special shout out to Crestwood Principal Fran Casablancas and School Counselor Vanessa Paula who made it all possible!
The Hispanic Educator’s Association hosted a lively and well-attended reception to kick off this special evening.
 The Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation was read by my colleague Seema Dixit (Sully District), and I had the privilege of reading the Proclamation in Spanish immediately after.
School Board Meeting Take Aways
 2027 Fairfax County School Board
State Legislative Priority Positions
During the School Board’s discussion of state legislative priority positions, I spoke in support of improving Virginia’s school accountability system so it gives families and educators a fuller picture of student learning and school progress.
Accountability should be clear and meaningful, while recognizing achievement, academic growth, engagement, and readiness for life after graduation. I emphasized the importance of balancing mastery and growth, giving English Learners the time and support to demonstrate what they know, and recognizing the time students with disabilities and English Learners may need to earn a diploma. School ratings should help identify where support is needed without letting the performance of a single student group automatically define a school’s overall progress.
Our goal is to make accountability lead to stronger support and outcomes for students. I look forward to working with families, educators, colleagues, and state leaders toward a system that is rigorous, transparent, and equitable.
Watch the discussion, beginning at 3:41:25
Performance Review: Financial Planning (EL-5)
Monitoring Report
During the Board’s review of the Superintendent’s Financial Planning monitoring report, I moved that the Board find the Superintendent in compliance with Executive Limitation #5 and approve the report under the Strategic Governance Manual.
In my remarks, I said, “Sound financial planning is one of the ways that we honor our responsibility to students, families, and the dedicated professionals who make learning possible.” The report describes the difficult choices FCPS faced in developing the FY 2027 budget, including a $28.9 million funding shortfall, alongside investments in staff compensation, academic resources, athletics and the arts, and stronger connections between home and school.
I also highlighted the importance of transparent information, multi-year forecasting, and continued engagement with the Board and community. These practices help us understand future financial pressures and make decisions grounded in student needs and our strategic priorities.
Read the Financial Planning monitoring report
Pre-K/K Device Use and Lexia / ST Math Elementary Opt-Out
The Board approved the Superintendent’s recommendation to allow limited Lexia use during the 2026–27 school year for kindergarteners who need additional reading support.
Under Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative, K–3 students who score in the high-risk range on the state literacy screening must receive 150 minutes of reading intervention each week, which FCPS has historically met through a mix of teacher-led instruction and Lexia.
The approved exception to the Board’s kindergarten technology restrictions, recommended by the Educational Technology Review Committee, allows eligible kindergarteners to use Lexia for up to 75 minutes per week, and keeps existing exceptions for students with IEPs, 504 plans, translation needs, or multilingual education support.
However, any family whose child meets the exception criteria may still opt out. My vote to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation while ensuring that families can opt out reflects what I’ve been hearing from many of you on this issue. Please continue to reach out and share your concerns and ideas on technology use in our schools.
The Board also directed the Superintendent to develop a process for families to opt elementary students out of ST Math and Lexia, with instructional alternatives provided.
Correction to the Last Newsletter Edition:
Edison High School Theatre
The upcoming Edison Theatre Company’s production of Seussical: The Musical was inadvertently left out of my previous newsletter–I’m so excited to go see it, and hope you will join me! Please see the details below:
October 22: 7:00pm
October 23: 7:00pm
October 24: 11:00am & 7:00pm
For tickets, please click here.
Last season, I had the pleasure of taking in Edison’s production of Chicago–please take a moment to admire their talent! (video link)
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FCPS 2026 Impact Award Winners
Collaboration and Partnerships Impact Award Winner
Sarah Hinkhouse
Career Experience Specialist,
Edison High School
Using deep community partnerships, Sarah has significantly expanded work-based learning opportunities for students by creating apprenticeship and internship opportunities. She secured one of the largest donations in the academy’s history from Ferguson Plumbing Supply for the HVAC program. This donation provided essential, industry-relevant materials that enhance hands-on learning and elevate instructional quality. Sarah also rekindled a valued partnership with Mount Vernon Estates, and organized a highly successful career fair that connected students with meaningful career pathways and industry professionals.
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Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Impact Award Winner
Vanessa Paula
School Counselor,
Lynbrook and Crestwood Elementary Schools
As a counselor at both schools, Vanessa leads the mentorship initiative “Boys and Girls Nights” at Crestwood and Lynbrook elementaries. The program creates intentional spaces where students connect with trusted community mentors, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build relationships that affirm their identities and lived experiences. Students develop confidence, strengthen their sense of belonging, and see themselves reflected in positive role models. This program addresses barriers to access and promotes equity for students who benefit from expanded networks of support and reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity, representation, and the development of connected, empowered learners.
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Student Achievement and Success Impact Award Winner
Rejane Martins Nangle
Multilingual Learner Teacher,
Irving Middle School
In her role as department chair, Rejane oversees programming and supports staff in meeting the diverse needs of the Irving multilingual population. She approaches this responsibility with careful attention to individual strengths and challenges, and she ensures that each student has a clear plan for progress. Her colleagues rely on her to design interventions, to advise on accommodations, and to coordinate assessments and follow-up so that student achievement plans are not just created, but they are actively implemented and monitored.
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Special Shout Out:
 Congratulations to the Multilingual Learners Family Literacy Team on being honored at this year’s Impact Awards. I have had the privilege of working alongside many multilingual families in our community, and I know how much it matters for families to feel welcomed, informed, and confident as they support their children’s education.
By helping hundreds of families strengthen their English skills, navigate the school system, and connect with academic resources, your team makes that support more accessible. Thank you for building belonging and community connections, and for giving families tools to advocate for their children. I’m grateful for the difference you make in the lives of students and families across FCPS.
Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Team Impact Award Winners
Multilingual Learners Family Literacy Team
Micheline B. Lavalle, Natalia Sosa Molina, and Amanda Sucar Warrener
The Multilingual Learners Family Literacy Team empowers multilingual families to actively support their children’s education. By serving hundreds of families across multiple sites, the program builds English language skills, strengthens understanding of school systems, and eases access to academic resources. Families report feeling more confidence navigating the school system. Through culturally responsive practices, the team fosters belonging, builds community connections, and equips families with tools to advocate for their children.
Annual FCPS College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night
Help prepare your student for the future at the College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Night.
Date: October 18th
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: George Mason University Eagle Bank Arena
4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030
Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The Postsecondary Virtual Night event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
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Delegate Kathy Tran's Veterans and Military Families Town Hall
Join Delegate Kathy Tran, Franconia Supervisor Rodney Lusk, and Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Tim Williams for a town hall to discuss how Fairfax County and Virginia are working to support veterans and military families.
Date: October 14th
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: American Legion Post 176
6520 Amherst Ave,
Springfield, VA 22150
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The Inclusive Leadership Institute: Expressions of Interest Due October 15th
One Fairfax, in partnership with Leadership Fairfax, can support up to 10 community members to participate in the Inclusive Leadership Institute (ILI), a learning opportunity focused on leading toward racial and social equity.
ILI welcomes people at every stage of their racial equity journey. Participants can expand their knowledge, learn alongside others, and contribute to a more equitable and just Fairfax County. Interested in participating, or know someone who might be a good fit? Complete or share the ILI Interest Survey by 5:00pm Thursday, October 15, 2026. Learn more about ILI, or email onefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions.
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Updates and Information from The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD)
Youth and Young Adult Opportunities
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) offers kids and young adults a variety of programs that encourage involvement, exploration, and skill‑building—helping them create a strong pathway for their future.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity for kids to make new friends and for parents to connect with other families in the community.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/get-involved
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Safety is a Shared Responsibility
We have been out in various intersections and locations distributing these flyers for Pedestrian Safety awareness. With this initiative we are informing the public to drive with care and travel with care during your outings. Look left and right, slow down when nearing crosswalks, stop your vehicle during right turn on a red light, put your phones down and eyes up, stick to the speed limit, and be extra cautious where kids play. This public awareness campaign is meant to promote safe driving behaviors!
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FCPS News You Need
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