The Dixit Dialogue – April 2026

School Board Sully District 5 days 20 hours ago

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The Dixit Dialogue – April 2026 Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of🌼April!🌸

This is the time of year when schedules begin to fill up quickly and the pace of our days noticeably picks up. With graduation for the Class of 2026 just a few weeks away, there is so much to look forward to and celebrate. It’s an exciting and meaningful season for our students, especially our seniors as they prepare to mark this important milestone. I want to wish all of our high school students the very best as they prepare for final exams and AP exams in the weeks ahead—your hard work and dedication are evident, and we are proud of your efforts. Amid the busyness, I hope everyone has found a moment to enjoy the beauty of the spring season and had the opportunity to recharge over break. The end of the school year is fast approaching, and it always seems to arrive sooner than expected.

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of attending several wonderful events across our schools, each one highlighting the talent, creativity, and spirit of our students and staff. From classrooms to performances, competitions to community gatherings, I continue to be inspired by the incredible work happening throughout our district. Thank you to our teachers and staff for your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to supporting our students each and every day. Your impact does not go unnoticed, and it makes a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve

In partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

Inside this Newsletter: 🎒 School Year Calendar Updates 📅Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs . View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Veterans Day

The School Board approved a motion to make Veterans Day a regular school day. Prior to 2022, schools were open on this day, and students participated in meaningful activities to recognize and honor our nation’s veterans. Since 2022, FCPS has closed schools on Veterans Day, even though current policy still designates it as a school day.

While I respect the intent behind the motion, I voted against it. Veterans Day is a significant national holiday dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and I believe students benefit from having the opportunity to participate in community events, ceremonies, and family observances that recognize this important day. Additionally, having school in session does not necessarily support families, as many parents have the day off for the federal holiday, creating a disconnect in schedules.

Future School Year Calendars 2027-28 and 2028-29

The Board has directed the Superintendent to develop calendar options for the 2027–28 and 2028–29 school years, considering feedback from the community. I encourage you to attend the upcoming public meetings and share your thoughts—your input is important and helps shape decisions that impact our schools and families.

Fairfax County FY 2027 Advertised Budget Plan

Fairfax County FY 2027 Advertised Budget Plan

FY 2027 Proposed Budget Highlights

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget💸

Fairfax County Public Schools’ FY 2026 budget continues to reflect the challenges of meeting growing needs while remaining competitive, particularly in the area of teacher compensation. State analysis shows that FCPS receives approximately $568.7 million less than what would be needed to reach the national average, or about $3,100 less per student. This funding gap creates real challenges as we work to maintain strong academic programs and attract and retain high-quality educators. While FCPS teacher salaries remain generally mid-range compared to neighboring districts, continued progress on compensation is important to supporting the talented educators our students rely on every day.

Looking ahead to FY 2027, FCPS continues to face similar budget pressures. The school division requested an additional $138.4 million, a 5% increase, while the County’s proposed transfer includes $118.1 million, leaving a $20.3 million difference. In addition, the proposal includes $23.5 million in new line items, bringing the total effective shortfall to $43.8 million. This follows last year’s $150 million funding gap and reflects the ongoing difficulty of balancing community needs, fiscal constraints, and the resources required to support students and staff. As expectations for student outcomes continue to grow, sustained and adequate funding remains essential to supporting educators, preserving program quality, and meeting every student's needs.

The FY 2027 budget process is now moving forward, with several important opportunities for decisions and community input:

April 28:Fairfax County Board of Supervisors budget markup and determination of the budget package and tax rates

May 5:Board of Supervisors adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS

May 7:Approved budget presented to the School Board

May 12, with May 13 if needed: School Board public hearing on the budget

May 14:School Board budget work session

May 21:School Board adopts the approved budget

July 1:FY 2027 begins

These milestones will help shape the final budget. I encourage our community to stay engaged, attend upcoming meetings, share feedback during public hearings, and reach out to School Board members and County Supervisors. Community input is an important part of this process, and your voice helps advocate for the resources our students, educators, and schools need.

As Chair, I remain committed to working collaboratively with our County partners, state leaders, and community to advocate for the resources our schools need. We will continue to prioritize investments that support our students, empower our educators, and sustain the high-quality education our community expects and deserves. Together, we will strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, both now and in the years ahead.

Skyview Boundary Update

Skyview High School is positioning itself as a forward-thinking, industry-aligned institution designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, AI-driven future. It aims to equip students with the skills needed for an unpredictable world by working closely with industry partners to identify the competencies employers value most. During my recent visit, I was impressed by Skyview’s vision to serve as a model for a modern high school—one that is workforce-aligned, innovation-driven, and focused on real-world problem solving.

Skyview High school boundary scenarios are now available here . Please share your feedback, as it is an important part of informing the boundary development process and will help guide the next set of proposed boundaries to be presented in May.

Participants may attend either in person at Skyview High School or virtually via Zoom. Please register using the appropriate meeting link if you plan to attend.

Community Meetings – Round 1

Tuesday, April 28, 6–8 p.m.— in person or virtual

Thursday, April 30, 6–8 p.m.— in person or virtual

The same information will be shared at both meetings. Community feedback from these meetings will help inform the development of one or more revised scenarios. The revised scenarios will be presented during a second round of community meetings in May. These meetings will also be held in person at Skyview High School and virtually via Zoom.

Community Meetings – Round 2

Thursday, May 28, 6–8 p.m.— in person or virtual

Saturday, May 30, 9–11 a.m.— in person or virtual

I look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming community meetings. I plan to be present at most of them and would greatly value hearing your perspectives, suggestions, and feedback. Please consider attending and advocating for your student—your voice plays an important role in shaping these decisions.

Sully District Happenings Fairfax County Spelling Bee Winner🥇

Laasya Mohan, a fourth-grader at Floris Elementary Schoolin Herndon, won the 2026 Fairfax County Spelling Bee on Sunday.

Mohan, who is 9, and first runner-up Aadhya Vijayakumar, 13, an eighth-grader at Rocky Run Middle Schoolin Chantilly, will both advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington in late May

The bee, sponsored by the Fairfax County Council PTA, was held at Lake Braddock Secondary School and included 90 spellers who qualified by virtue of winning elementary and middle school spelling bees in Fairfax and the city of Alexandria.

The event began with a written test of 15 words for all spellers, followed by an oral spelling round. The spellers who successfully completed the oral round and had the highest scores on the written test advanced to the finals.

🏆National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Two hundred forty-four students from 18 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are among the finalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2026.Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern Virginia, has 105 finalists.

Congratulations to the 48 Sully District National Merit Scholarship Finalists!

Centreville High School

Daniel Ahn

Kareem Aly

Isabel  Jung

Sean Kim

Phillip Tran    

Chantilly High School         

Carrie Chia

Hee Theng Chong

Rahul  Dham

Lillian  Fry

Abhiram Gaddam

Hansika Gautama

Kyle Li

Sahas Manchireddy

Jishnav Raj

Brian Son

Srimayi Sriram

Shivam Suri

Anna Tung

Jonathan Wang

Haorui Zhao

Oakton High School             

Jovina Arulandu

Aaron Chen

Anna Chen

Ashley Chen

Chunjie Huang

Daniel Lee

Natalie Leong

Sihe Liu

Matthew Negron

Arnav Sharma

Claire Zhang

Thomas Jefferson High School     

Rishi Anangi

Romanchit Arora

Joshua Cheng

Ria Goel

Holly Huang

Ethan Ko

Anant Krishna

Divya Kulkarni

Caroline Li

Ansh Malhotra

Rishikesh Narayana

Aashritha Penumudi

Tanush Vuppala

Westfield High School

Aurel Catherine Arockia Irudhaya Jayasingh

Rebecca Ewell

Salban Nithilaselvan

Jaeden Pangaribuan

Nine Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2026 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 700 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.

Congratulations to Sean Kim of Centreville High School(computer engineering), National Merit FTS International, LLC Scholarship recipient!

📝FCPS Students Honored With 2026 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards✍️

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student writers won 24 Gold Key awards in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition. In all, 162 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio. 

More information about the  Regional Scholastic Writing Awards is available online . Congratulations to our Sully District winners!

  • Grace Kim, Crossing Over, My Mother's Recipe and My Unraveling Sweater - Poetry, Gold; Welcome to The Seoul (Soul) Diner, Personal Essay & Memoir - Silver, Centreville High School.
  • Nethra Kumaravel, Detachment; Halfway Home, Poetry, Gold, Chantilly High School.
  • Crystal Cho, Nocturne in Cinder Bricks - Poetry, Silver; Double Digits, A Gentle Reckoning and Unresolved - Poetry, Honorable Mention, Chantilly High School.
  • Faith Choe, When the wind blows, where do the flowers go?, The ramifications of an earthly jury and Temple of wind and rain - Poetry, Silver; butterfly haori - Poetry, Honorable Mention, Centreville High School.
  • Tatum Elsea, pomegranates, Poetry, Silver; The day I killed you, Flash Fiction - Silver, Centreville High School.
  • Aadhya Edunuri, Anorexia, A Martyr, Poetry, Honorable Mention, Centreville High School.
  • Sihyun Kan, Red, White, and Blue, Poetry, Honorable Mention, Westfield High School
  • Yian Kang, Remembering to Fly, Personal Essay & Memoir, Honorable Mention, Chantilly High School.
  • Ella Montgomery, The End, Flash Fiction and Confused For A Girl Named Ella - Poetry, Honorable Mention, Centreville High School.
  • Joelle Park, The Click That Opened My Curiosity, Personal Essay & Memoir, Honorable Mention, Centreville High School.

An orchestra of student musicians 

🎻FCPS Students Chosen for 2026 All-Virginia High School Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Middle School Chorus Group🎼

Two hundred seventeen Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high school students were selected to perform at the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus and Orchestra event , which took place April 16-18, and 56 FCPS students were selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus event, which took place April 16-17.  

Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions in these ensembles. Participants rehearsed with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians during the events, which were free and open to the public.

The  All-Virginia High School Band, Chorus and Orchestra concerts and the All-Virginia Middle School Chorus concerts were held in the Richmond Convention Center.

Sully District students selected for the high school groups in 2026 are:

Band

  • Sean Gehring, Westfield High School.
  • Luc Santana, Chantilly High School.
  • Lucas Velasquez, Westfield High School.
  • Jack Whiting, Westfield High School.

Chorus

  • Peter Dalton, Westfield High School.
  • Jackson Sobel, Centreville High School.

Orchestra

  • Shaurya Ahuja, Chantilly High School.
  • Ethan Chung, Chantilly High School.
  • Jonathan Lee, Chantilly High School.
  • Mira Nair, Chantilly High School.

Sully District student selected for the middle school groups in 2026 are:

Treble Choir

  • Diana Lerner, Rocky Run Middle School.
FCPS Functions 2026 Special Education Family Conference

I attended the 2026 Special Education Family Conference with fellow School Board members and FCPS leadership. It was a powerful reminder that strong family-school partnerships help students thrive. As Dr. Shelley Moore shared, inclusion is about belonging. I’m grateful for our families, educators, and community who continue to advocate for every student.

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference took place on Saturday, April 18th at Marshall High School . The 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools was a no-cost, in-person event hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of internal and external community partners. Families and community members had the opportunity to hear a keynote address  from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore. Following lunch, conference attendees connected with resources and community organizations available in the  exhibitor hall , the  student showcase , and participate in  breakout sessions

Keynote Speaker Dr. Shelley Moore at the Special Education Family Conference

Taste of FCPS

I had great experience at the Taste of FCPS with many FCPS School Board Members in attendance. It was wonderful to see the focus on healthier meal options for our students—including items like the meatless Philly melt made with plant-based ingredients, fresh peppers, and balanced flavors. I also appreciated how students’ voice and engagement are making a difference; the students are actively contributing to shaping nutritious and appealing choices to be introduced in our schools.

Seema Dixit and other School Board Members attending the Taste of FCPS

2026 Mock Forum as part of the FCPS Student Leadership Development Program

I attended the 2026 Mock Forumthrough the FCPS Student Leadership Development Programand was inspired by our student leaders. They presented ideas, built consensus on key priorities, and passed motions to move them forward. I’m proud of their work and will keep their voices in mind as we shape policy. 

Student Leaders and School Board Members at the 2026 Mock Forum 

Student Voices Collaborate at First Summit

Students from all Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools gathered at Skyview High School for the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit . This summit was a leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voices across FCPS.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid welcomed the participants and set the tone for the day’s activities. She spoke about FCPS as a premier school district in our country, and stressed the importance of what it meant that students were there to share their ideas. Students were introduced to the Student Summit Planning Committee, a group composed of two representatives from each high school, who shared creative and innovative ideas.

Fairfax County high school students gathered at Skyview High School auditorium for the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit

Sully District's 35th Birthday Celebration

Please join us to celebrate the Sully District's 35th birthday on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pmand register here . Gather with friends and family to celebrate this milestone, enjoy cake, a flashback of Sully District history, and take advantage of onsite County services.

Free Parking and Shuttle Service provided at the  Stone Road Park and Ride Lot located at Route 29 and Stone Road. Parking will not be available at the Sully Governmental Center 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA, 20151 Link to Google Maps

Earth Day Fairfax 🌎

Earth Day Fairfax took place April 25th at Lake Fairfax Park. Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through exciting, interactive activities and games.

  • Outdoor Discovery Activities
  • Interactive Nature Exhibits
  • Earth Friendly Vendors
  • Food Trucks
  • Craft Beer Garden
  • Local Bands and Live Entertainment
  • Free Giveaways
  • Furry Farm Friends
Welcome New Sully District Principals Westfield High School

Congratulations to Ms. Meredith Norriswho has been selected as the new principal of Westfield High School , marking a momentous homecoming for a leader whose roots run deep within our community. A proud Region 5 native and former student herself, Ms. Norris returns to the Bulldog family with over 20 years of expertise as a dedicated educator and visionary administrator. 

Throughout the selection process, she demonstrated a seamless alignment with the leadership priorities identified by our students, staff, and families, proving herself to be a leader defined by strong instructional guidance, authentic relationship-building, and an unwavering student-centered approach.

Liberty Middle School

The Region 4 Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Ms.Tracy Bromberghas been appointed as the new principal of Liberty Middle School .

Ms. Bromberg joins the Liberty Middle School community with over 20 years of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools, and a proven track record of fostering strong instructional practices, positive school culture, and meaningful outcomes for students. Ms. Bromberg currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Centreville High School, where she brings a deep understanding of the community and the transition from middle to high school.

Ms. Bromberg has extensive experience at the middle school level, having previously served as an Assistant Principal at Thoreau Middle School and Herndon Middle School. In those roles, she led key initiatives to strengthen collaborative team structures, improve attendance through targeted intervention systems, and expand academic support for all learners. 

April is School Library Month and National Library Week

With April being School Library Month  and  National Library Week celebrated from April 19-25, it is a great time to highlight appreciation for our incredible school librarians who foster a love of reading, support student learning, and help build strong school communities. Thank you to our outstanding school librarians for all you do!

Explore all that FCPS school library programs have to offer for  student learning , and the  important roles that FCPS school librarians play in the school community. In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. 

April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM)

National Arab American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. This year’s theme, “Arab American Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects on the community’s legacy while recognizing the next generation of leaders making strides in business, government, education, science, and the arts.

Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to every aspect of American society—in medicine, law, business, technology, civic engagement, government, and culture. From cryptography, to the artificial heart, to the iPod,  here  are a few examples of some of the major advancements by Arab Americans. Please join me in celebrating the rich history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans in Sully District and beyond!

💜April is the Month of the Military Child!

FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! FCPS is proud to have more than 14,000 military-connected students. We are grateful for your contributions to our classrooms and our nation. Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.Thank you to all our students & their families who serve.  #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #PurpleUpFCPS

Visit our  Military Families webpage  and sign up to receive the  Military Families newsletter . Follow our FCPS Military Families accounts on  Facebook  and  Instagram  for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email our  Family and School Partnerships team .

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer : Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

FCPS Summer Internship Program

Shine This Summer as an FCPS Intern! Ignite your learning outside the classroom as a Fairfax County Public Schools Summer Intern. FCPS is excited to launch Year 2 of the Summer Internship Program - a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for current FCPS high school students and FCPS alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. Following a highly successful pilot, this program continues to provide meaningful, real-world work experiences across the division. 

Brighten your break by gaining hands-on experience across FCPS central office departments. Interns work alongside professionals on mission-critical projects that help prepare FCPS for the upcoming school year, while also participating in weekly professional development workshops focused on personal finance, communication, resume writing, and networking.

This summer's program will be held from July 6 through August 14.

Through this experience, you will:

  • Gain real-world, hands-on work experience.
  • Build new skills and confidence.
  • Network with professionals across FCPS.
  • “Test drive” a potential career pathway.

This program aligns with  FCPS’ Strategic Plan  Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation  and advances  Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity by expanding access to career-connected learning experiences for students.

Summer Arts Enrichment Camps

Thank you for expressing your interest and support of the Summer Arts Enrichment Camps during last month's March 26 School Board Meeting. In response to requests from the board, we have assembled the Summer Arts Enrichment Program Overview which includes topical information and talking points on pages 1 and 2, and for those Members interested in spreading the word with their constituents, some newsletter-friendly information on page 3.

For additional questions related to Summer Arts Enrichment Camps, please contact the program director, Maeve Nash at [email protected]

Economics and Personal Finance

Summer offers an excellent opportunity for high school students to complete their required Economics and Personal Finance course. The program is designed for independent learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Finishing this requirement over the summer—particularly for students entering 9th or 10th grade—can open up space in their academic schedule for additional electives or advanced classes during the school year.

VIP Summer Camp

Led by the experts from  FCPS Middle School After-School Programs and  Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, our campers enjoy a dynamic mix of sports and games, fitness, creative arts, STEM activities. Be sure to check out the VIP Summer Camp Program Essentials 

  • Who: Rising 7th, 8th graders residing in Fairfax County (and rising 6th grade students at Glasgow, Holmes and Poe MS).
  • Where: Held at five convenient FCPS Middle School sites.  These are the sites for July 2026.
    • Eastern VIP Camp at Whitman MS
      • This camp welcomes students from the Hayfield, Key, Sandburg, Twain and Whitman middle school neighborhoods.
    • Central VIP Camp at Glasgow
      • This camp welcomes students from the Glasgow, Holmes, Jackson, Kilmer, Poe, and Thoreau middle school neighborhoods.
    • North VIP Camp at Carson MS
      • This camp welcomes students from the Carson, Cooper, Herndon, Hughes, and Longfellow middle school neighborhoods.
    • Southern VIP Camp at South County MS
      • This camp welcomes students from the Frost, Lake Braddock, Irving, Robinson, and South County middle school neighborhoods.
    • Western VIP Camp at Liberty MS
      • This camp welcomes students from the Franklin, Johnson, Liberty, Rocky Run, and Stone middle school neighborhoods.
  • Dates: Wednesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 30 (Closed Friday, July 3).
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ( Early drop-off available at 8 a.m. ).
Summer Online Campus

Make the most of this summer by earning high school credit through the Summer Online Campus program . Be sure to sign up by Friday, June 5 to participate. Eligible middle and high school students can choose from a wide range of subjects, including math, health and PE, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world languages.

SOL Support - Spring Testing Season is Here! 

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments 

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. 

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.

Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season. 

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible. 

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters .

Be sure to put testing dates on your family calendar so you don't forget. Check your email and school newsletters for dates and details. Here are some ways to prepare before a test:

  • Remind your child to get a good night's rest.
  • Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast.
  • Avoid scheduling appointments that would take your child out of school on a testing day.
  • Remind your child that electronic devices are not allowed in testing, unless required by 504 or IEP.

Find out more about the tests at each grade level

FCPS In The Media

FCPS Middle School Rite of PassagePreps Students for Financial Realities of Adulthood ( WJLA Morning Show Live Appearance)

Kelly Clarkson Meets Virginia Teacher Bringing Back Cursive( NBC)

Mental Health Resources for Families This month's theme: Active April 

Let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.

Go to  Action for Happiness  for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis. 

Mental Health and Resiliency

Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

FCPS Family Resource Center

Staff is available by phone  703-204-3941  or email  [email protected]  to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.

No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers

Hazel Mental Health Services advertisement showing two teens smiling

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled  Monday through Friday, 7a.m.-7p.m.Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on  FCPS’ teletherapy webpage .

Find out more about the Hazel Health mental health services available for all FCPS high school students.

🌱Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized  youth mental health services  designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Get started with  CSB Entry and Referral  by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing  [email protected] .

George Mason’s Center for Community Health

George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health  (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn more on  the Center's website .

Start an Unskippable Conversation With Your Teen

When was the last time you talked to your teen about fentanyl and overdose? Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation , and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond .

Upcoming School Board Meetings

12 FCPS School Board members at the dais

Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.

Visit the  community participation webpage  to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit  BoardDocs  for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items?  Sign up to get an update on School Board votes  the morning after the School Board meeting.

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the  FCPS website . Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the  FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de  YouTube de FCPS en Español  o escanee el código QR.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official  School Board Contact Form . This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in  My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on  Facebook .

Quick Links

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Email: Seema Dixit  | Phone: 571-423-1085

Director: Divya Srinagesh | Phone: 571-478-3834

The Dixit Dialogue – March 2026

School Board Sully District 1 month 1 week ago

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The Dixit Dialogue – March 2026 Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

Spring activities and athletics have officially kicked off and the excitement in our schools is palpable. Longer sunlit days and warmer temperatures are on the horizon, and I'm all charged up for a fantastic spring! 🌷☀️🌱

March is #WomensHistoryMonth, a time to recognize and celebrate the many ways women have shaped our society through their leadership, innovation, and dedication.

The theme for Women's History Month 2026, chosen by the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA), is " Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future". This theme highlights women's leadership in creating long-term sustainability across environmental, financial, educational, and societal systems, addressing global challenges like climate change and economic insecurity by designing blueprints for a resilient and equitable tomorrow. 

I would especially like to recognize the remarkable women making a difference in our schools, my colleagues on the School Board and across the FCPS leadership team. Women represent approximately 75% of the teaching workforce in our nation, and their dedication, resilience, and passion are truly the foundation of our education system.

Finally, I welcome your feedback, observations, suggestions, questions, and celebrations. Don't hesitate to reach out to me through this  School Board contact form  or you can call or email me. I look forward to seeing you in our schools in the upcoming weeks.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and inspiring spring season.

In partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

Inside this Newsletter: Sully District Happenings

2026 Student Peace awards

The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County encourages everyone to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Every year, the high schools in Fairfax County are asked to select one junior or senior, or a group of students, whose work has promoted peace. The project is organized by volunteers and funded by donations from 16 secular and religious sponsoring organizations.

Congratulations to Sully students Sheba Ahmadzai, Advait Kothuri, Ved Patil, Athri Cheboli, Pranav Adivi, Rishi Guharoy, Nikhil Vaidy.

The College Board announced that 17 FCPS high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. Schools can earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum distinction. Congratulations to Centreville High School and Westfield High schoolwho were in the Silver Distinction category and Chantilly High Schoolin the Gold.

Congratulations to Chantilly High Schoolwho was among 26 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. This is the twelfth consecutive award for Chantilly High School.The award recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach, and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content. More information about the First Amendment Press Freedom Award is available online

Congratulations to Ria Goel  from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology,won First Place in the Information and Artificial Intelligence category. Read Ria’s letter on the environmental impacts of AI data centers .

Congratulations to Heidi Hagerwho was one of the four student to receive an award in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition. These students are part of a group of more than 700 YoungArts award winners that were selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process.

Four FCPS teachers are among 13 public middle and high school teachers to receive grants from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Wolf Trap’s  Grants for Performing Arts Teachers fund music, dance, and theater projects in public school classrooms in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Congratulations to Meghan Pafumi, Rocky Run Middle School, for Middle School and  Macbeth : Appearance vs. Reality and Christine Maxted, Westfield High School,for Youth and Senior Collaborative Storytelling Project

Congratulations to the Westfield High School BoysBasketball team on winning the State Championship! What an incredible season for the Bulldogs. After capturing both the District and regional titles, the team finished strong by defeating Landstown to claim the state championship. We are so prod of these student-athletes, their coaches and everyone who supported them throughout this amazing run, GO BULLDOGS!

Superintendent’s FY 2027 Proposed Budget 

At the Regular meeting on January 22nd,  the Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. This Proposed Budget reflects FCPS’ unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and community. 

 As documented by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the Commonwealth’s K-12 funding formula does not accurately reflect the true cost of operating our schools. We will continue pressing the state to implement JLARC’s recommendations—reforms that could deliver more than $500 million annually to public education and lessen the financial strain on our local community

We are currently facing a $43 million shortfall driven largely by ongoing challenges in state funding. The budget process will continue through May, and we remain fully engaged in refining and advocating for a responsible path forward. I encourage you to continue sharing your perspectives by emailing us and other elected officials, and by participating in public hearings. Your voice truly matters, and community engagement plays a vital role in this process

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey .

 As we move through the next phase of the budget process, I encourage you to watch the remaining work sessions and attend public hearings. As the Budget Chair, I look forward to ongoing collaboration as we strive to align our financial priorities with our shared values and secure the resources our schools need to thrive. 

Seema Dixit visit to Rocky Run

Visit to Rocky Run

During my visit to Rocky Run Middle School, I had the opportunity to observe several after-school clubs in action, and I was especially impressed by the level of student engagement and creativity. Students were actively participating in variety of clubs that provided both academic enrichment and opportunities for self-expression. It was inspiring to see how these clubs create inclusive spaces where students can connect, build confidence, and develop new skills. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the building highlighted the important role these programs play in fostering a strong sense of community and enriching the overall student experience.

         Boundary update

The process is now underway to establish an attendance boundary for Skyview High School in western Fairfax County. The School Board is expected to adopt the boundary in June 2026. We encourage your active participation in this important work. Below is an overview of the timeline and engagement opportunities:

March – Kickoff MeetingWe invite you to join our kickoff meeting, where we will outline what to expect, review criteria guiding boundary development, answer questions, and gather your input on key themes related to boundary planning. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Westfield High School . You may register to participate in person or via Zoom .

Phase 1: April – Boundary Scenario DevelopmentFCPS consultant will develop three draft boundary scenarios (maps) based on established criteria and community feedback received during the kickoff meeting as well as previously collected feedback.

Phase 2: Week of April 27 – Community MeetingsThe consultant will present the three draft scenarios for the Skyview boundary. Meeting participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback using the Boundary Explorer Tool. Additional details, including meeting dates and locations, will be shared soon.

Phase 3: Late May – Community MeetingsRevised boundary scenarios will be shared with the community for additional feedback. The consultant will use this input to further refine the maps in collaboration with FCPS leadership.

Phase 4: June – Superintendent’s RecommendationFCPS’ superintendent will present a final recommendation to the School Board for consideration and action at a board meeting.

Please note that dates are subject to change.

Your feedback is essential, as we work together to develop a boundary that best serves our students, families, and the community. For more information, please visit our Skyview Boundary Development webpage .

2026 Special Education Family Conference has been re-scheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School . Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event

April Statewide Election

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

SEPTA AWARDS- Due March 27

The SEPTA Awards highlight the extraordinary dedication of school staff and community members who support students with diverse learning needs. Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and others who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.
Nominations can be submitted online at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/awards/The award recipients will be honored during the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate the individuals helping create more inclusive and supportive school communities. Event registration will be forthcoming.
To learn more about Fairfax County SEPTA and its programs, visit: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/

Kindergarten Registration 

Do you have a student that's headed to Kindergarten for the upcoming school year. There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten

A virtual event is designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer : Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about  online tutoring with Varsity Tutors .

Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy Posters

The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.

As a way to help promote these valuable enrichment opportunities to students and parents, posters will be mailed to every school. Please display promotional materials in an area accessible and visible to parents and also in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) hallways (if applicable) from March to May.

More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here,  and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here .

Mental Health Resources for Families This month's theme: 

Go to  Action for Happiness  for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis. 

Mental Health and Resiliency

Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

FCPS Family Resource Center

Staff is available by phone  703-204-3941  or email  [email protected]  to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.

No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the  FCPS Teletherapy webpage  for more information.

🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized  youth mental health services  designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Get started with  CSB Entry and Referral  by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing  [email protected] .

George Mason’s Center for Community Health

George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health  (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Upcoming School Board Meetings

12 FCPS School Board members at the dais

Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.

Visit the  community participation webpage  to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit  BoardDocs  for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items?  Sign up to get an update on School Board votes  the morning after the School Board meeting.

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the  FCPS website . Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the  FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de  YouTube de FCPS en Español  o escanee el código QR.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official  School Board Contact Form . This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in  My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on  Facebook .

Quick Links

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Email: Seema Dixit  | Phone: 571-423-1085

Director: Divya Srinagesh | Phone: 571-478-3834

The Dixit Dialogue – Budget Edition

School Board Sully District 2 months ago

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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.

The Dixit Dialogue – Budget Edition Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

With sunshine returning and a welcome stretch of warmer weather this weekend, I hope everyone had a chance to get outside and enjoy it. I’d like to take a moment to share a few updates.

The past several weeks have been especially active for the School Board as we work through the upcoming budget and make key decisions that will shape the next school year. As Chair of the Budget Committee, I have been working closely with FCPS staff and my colleagues to develop a responsible financial plan in what continues to be a constrained fiscal environment.

Crafting this budget has required careful analysis, thoughtful prioritization, and a steadfast commitment to both our students and our employees. I strongly support the compensation increases included in this proposal, along with the key initiatives that advance student achievement, enhance safety, and sustain essential services. These investments reflect our shared belief that our people are our greatest asset. I am also grateful to my fellow Board members for their steady leadership throughout this process, and I appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials as we advocate together for the resources our students and community deserve. 

 As documented by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the Commonwealth’s K-12 funding formula does not accurately reflect the true cost of operating our schools. We will continue pressing the state to implement JLARC’s recommendations—reforms that could deliver more than $500 million annually to public education and lessen the financial strain on our local community

We are currently facing a $43 million shortfall driven largely by ongoing challenges in state funding. The budget process will continue through May, and we remain fully engaged in refining and advocating for a responsible path forward. I encourage you to continue sharing your perspectives by emailing us and other elected officials, and by participating in public hearings. Your voice truly matters, and community engagement plays a vital role in this process

I welcome you all to attend the in-person Sully District Budget Town Hallon Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 from 7-9 pm at Rocky Run Middle School, where Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and I will discuss this FY27 Budget and hear your comments. Please see town hall details below.

In partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

Sully District Budget Town Hall with Supervisor Kathy Smith

Please join Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and me for a joint town hall as we present the proposed FY 2027 Budgets and take your comments. 

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 7 - 9 pm EST

Where: Rocky Run Middle School Lecture Hall

Address: 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151 

Supervisor Smith and I look forward to your participation!

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de  YouTube de FCPS en Español  o escanee el código QR.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official  School Board Contact Form . This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in  My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on  Facebook .

Quick Links

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Email: Seema Dixit  | Phone: 571-423-1085

Director: Divya Srinagesh | Phone: 571-478-3834

February 10, 2026 Public Hearing on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget

School Board Sully District 2 months 3 weeks ago

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The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The Speaker's List opened at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 and is now open through 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of February 9, 2026.

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to [email protected] .

  • Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the FY 2027 Proposed Budget to the School Board at the January 22, 2026 regular meeting.
  • The School Board will hold work sessions on the proposed budget on February 10, 2026 and February 19, 2026.
  • The School Board will hold a public hearing on February 10, 2025.
  • The School Board is scheduled to take action to approve the Advertised Budget at the February 26, 2026 regular meeting.
Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Luther Jackson Middle School , at 7:00 p.m.

The Fairfax County School Board

The Dixit Dialogue – February 2026

School Board Sully District 3 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

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.

The Dixit Dialogue – February 2026 Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

Hope everyone is having a great start to the third quarter! ❄️🎉Despite last month’s snowy weather and schedule disruptions, our students rose to the occasion, and are getting ready to finishing the first semester strong. I couldn't be more proud of their resilience and positive attitude. 

It’s been a packed month on the School Board with the vote of Comprehensive Boundary, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) , FY 2027 Budget discussions and other important policy work! 

One of the most important jobs of the School Board is the development of our budget. At the School Board’s January 22 Regular Meeting, the Superintendent presented her proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. As the Budget chair, I remain committed to ensuring the division receives the appropriate level of funding to sustain and strengthen our workforce of educators providing them with the resources they need to deliver a high- quality, well-rounded education for every student.

The School Board will hold a public hearing on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm,where we invite the community to share their feedback on the budget. We want to hear from you, please sign up here to speak February 10th Budget Public Hearing.

I welcome you all to attend the in-person Sully District Budget Town Hallon Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 from 7-9 pm at Rocky Run Middle School, where Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and I will discuss this FY27 Budget and hear your comments. Please see town hall details below.

In partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

Inside this Newsletter: Sully District Happenings

Congratulations to Aashritha Penumudi, who was named a finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search , the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science competition! Aashritha is among 40 finalists chosen from a group of 300 scholars. Her project is A Novel Approach to Understanding the Structural Basis of Ribosome Stalling by AMD1 and Cellular Arresting Peptides . Wow! She will receive a minimum $25,000 award, and will be invited to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in final judging, display her work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000. Great job, Aashritha! 

Congratulations to Samanvi Tummala and Caroline Li who were in the top 300 scholars in the  Regeneron Science Talent Search  2026 (STS), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Congrats to Akshat Patelwhose team was one of the winners of the NASA TechRise Student Challenge! Click here for more -  NASA TechRise Website

Congrats to Heidi Hager who was one of the four students to receive an award in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition

Superintendent’s FY 2027 Proposed Budget 

At the Regular meeting on January 22nd,  the Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. This Proposed Budget reflects FCPS’ unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and community. The top priorities of FCPS’ FY 2027 Proposed Budget include: 

  • Prioritizing competitive compensationincluding funding the increases in the collective bargaining agreements for both our Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators (FCFPSA) bargaining units.  This increase is a continuation of our commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and support staff. We have improved our Master’s lane beginning teacher salary to nearly the top of the market within just two years. Between FY 24 and FY 26, our beginning teacher salary has risen from being the seventh highest (out of eight neighboring districts) to the second highest! Thanks to these efforts, our retention rates have surpassed 90% over the past two years!
  • Beginning to restore last fiscal year’s reductionsby fully restoring Special Education Department Chair positions and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) positions at non-Title I schools, as well as a partial restoration of class sizes in elementary, middle, and high schools.
  • Continuing multiyear initiativesincluding certified athletic trainers at each of our high schools, family liaisons, fine and performing arts stipends, student athletics and activity offerings, K-12 robotics, and educator math certification/credentialing. 

The FY 2027 Proposed Budget totals $4.1 billion, a net increase of $197.0 million or 5.0% over the FY 2026 Approved Budget. I am requesting an additional $138.4 million, or 5.1% over the FY 2026 transfer from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. This year’s county transfer requested increase is 48% lessthan last year’s requested transfer increase and aligns closely with the fiscal forecast presented at the joint Board of Supervisors Budget Committee and School Board meeting in the fall of 2025. Thank you to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and our state delegation for their partnership, 

Thursday night’s budget presentation video and slides are available online. I encourage you to keep up with the budget process by watching our upcoming February 10 School Board work session or visiting FCPS’ Budget webpage

 As we move through the next phase of the budget process, I encourage you to watch the remaining work sessions and attend public hearings. As the Budget Chair, I look forward to ongoing collaboration as we strive to align our financial priorities with our shared values and secure the resources our schools need to thrive. 

Sully District Budget Town Hall with Supervisor Kathy Smith

Please join Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith and me for a joint town hall as we present the proposed FY 2027 Budgets and take your comments. 

When: Monday, March 4, 2026

Time: 7 - 9 pm EST

Where: Rocky Run Middle School Lecture Hall

Address: 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151 

Supervisor Smith and I look forward to your participation!

Fairfax County School Board Seeks Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Applicants

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from persons interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. Applications are being accepted  until February 8, 2026; applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County and should have expertise in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning, or development. The Board will be appointing five community members to staggered terms. Get more information and submit an application.

Comprehensive Boundary update

At the January 22nd School Board Meeting, the Board approved Fairfax County Public Schools first comprehensive, division-wide boundary review in more than 40 years. The approved changes, effective for the 2026-27 school year, affect approximately 1700 students across 46 schools and are intended to better balance enrollment, capacity, and access to opportunity.

This process highlighted the critical role of parent and community advocacy. I advocated for many communities in the Sully District, and several positive outcomes were achieved because families showed up, spoke at public hearings, wrote emails, spoke at public hearings, wrote emails and consistently advocated for their neighborhoods.

Thank you to every parent, student, educator, and community member who engaged thoughtfully and persistently throughout this process- this progress belongs to you. FCPS remains committed to supporting all transitioning families and to continuing transparent, community-centered planning as we look ahead.

Western High School Update

Excitement builds as families and students explore the new Western HS. The School Board will vote on the new school’s name on Thursday, February 12.

The Superintendent recommendations are Western High School and Skyview High School.

Application for School Board Student representative

Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board

Each year, in accordance with  Policy 1802 , Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have the opportunity to apply for the position of Student Representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a non-voting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of students in Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply and do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). The student representative shall be a resident of Fairfax County or Fairfax City and a student in FCPS.

The application involves two components. Both are required to be considered for the election. 

 The 2026 election will consist of two parts:

  • The first part of the election is a virtual Primary Election held on April 23, 2026, using FCPS Zoom. Candidates have the option to attend this event. Candidates will be notified by email regarding the Primary Election results.
  • The second part of the election is a General Election held in person on April 30, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Candidates who advanced from the Primary Election are required to attend the General Election on April 30, 2026.      

Additional information and details regarding both the Primary and General Elections will be shared with candidates via email.

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer : Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about  online tutoring with Varsity Tutors .

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 [email protected] or call 202-207-5839. Applications are due by February 20, 2026. [ Apply Here ]

ALA Scholarship is Here

Applications for the 2026 ALA Scholarship have opened. Deadline is March 13.Graduating FCPS APIDA seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Please click here for application. 

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

YouTube video titled "FCPS CTE Works - Career and Technical Education in Fairfax County Public Schools"

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now !

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month

Mental Health Resources for Families This month's theme: 

Go to  Action for Happiness  for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis. 

Mental Health and Resiliency

Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

FCPS Family Resource Center

Staff is available by phone  703-204-3941  or email  [email protected]  to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.

No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the  FCPS Teletherapy webpage  for more information.

🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized  youth mental health services  designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Get started with  CSB Entry and Referral  by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing  [email protected] .

George Mason’s Center for Community Health

George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health  (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Upcoming School Board Meetings

12 FCPS School Board members at the dais

Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.

Visit the  community participation webpage  to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit  BoardDocs  for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items?  Sign up to get an update on School Board votes  the morning after the School Board meeting.

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the  FCPS website . Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the  FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de  YouTube de FCPS en Español  o escanee el código QR.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official  School Board Contact Form . This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in  My Neighborhood.

To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on  Facebook .

Quick Links

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Email: Seema Dixit  | Phone: 571-423-1085

Director: Divya Srinagesh | Phone: 571-478-3834

Apply for the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee

School Board Sully District 3 months ago

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School Board Seeking Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Community Members

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from Fairfax County community members interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC). The Committee consists of five School Board Members and five Community Members. The committee's primary role is to support FCPS' capital planning and facility maintenance efforts.

Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County.  The deadline to submit an application has been extended to 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Get more information and submit an application.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Cannot be a current FCPS employee
  • Be independent of day-to-day management of FCPS
  • Be knowledgeable about FCPS facilities policies and procedures
  • Be an expert in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management and capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning and development, or related subjects
APPLICATION
  • Introductory cover letter
  • Submit a School Board CPDC Community Member Application. For an application, click here .
  • In the application, written responses are required for the Statement of Interest questions, including:
    • Describe any professional or community experience that you believe qualifies you to serve on the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. You may attach a current resume.
    • Describe any previous experience/involvement with FCPS and/or other public schools.
    • State why you are interested in serving as a member of the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee.
    • Describe your understanding of the role of the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee

The School Board will be appointing five community members to staggered terms all commencing on April 1, 2026, and ending in either June 2027, June 2028, and June 2029.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications will be accepted until Sun, Feb 8 at 11:59 pm. Click here  to get more information, and to submit an application.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

FCPS School Board Office | FCPS School Board Members

Final Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to School Boundaries

School Board Sully District 3 months 2 weeks ago

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The Fairfax County School Board will hold a final public hearing on the Superintendent's recommended adjustments to School Boundaries.

Recommended Changes to FCPS School Boundaries

The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the Superintendent's recommended changes to School Boundaries at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The Speaker's List opened at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 and is now open through 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of January 21, 2026.

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to  [email protected] .

FCPS School Boundaries Changes Timeline

​School Board Policy 8130 requires that a comprehensive, division-wide review of school boundaries be conducted at least every five years by the Division Superintendent, and that any recommended adjustments be submitted to the School Board for approval.

Through the process FCPS has conducted extensive community engagement as required by Policy 8130. The process also included feedback from the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee, as directed by the School Board.

Community meetings were held in Fall 2024/Winter 2025 as part of Phase 1 to inform data analysis and draft scenarios. Community meetings were also held in Spring and Fall 2025 for Phase 2 to collect feedback on the draft scenarios and to inform the development of a final recommendation.

The Superintendent’s recommendation was informed by feedback received throughout the comprehensive boundary review process from the community, the consultant, staff and the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee.

During this process, the School Board was provided updates at four Work Sessions (10/8/24, 6/17/25, 8/26/25, and 11/12/25). The School Board also modified Section VII, “Phasing of Adjustments” of Policy 8130, on 7/17/25.

  • At the January 8, 2026 Regular Meeting, Division Superintendent Dr. Reid presented the Comprehensive School Boundary Review and detailed her proposed boundary changes.
  • On Saturday, January 10, 2026 and Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the School Board heard comments on the Superintendent's recommended boundary adjustments at public hearings.
  • At the School Board meetings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Dr. Reid detailed her amended recommendation for the proposed School Boundary changes.
  • On Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:15 p.m., the School Board will hear final comments on the Superintendent's recommended boundary adjustments at a public hearing.
  • At the January 22, 2026 Regular Meeting, the School Board is scheduled to take final action on the proposed school boundary adjustments.
Upcoming School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Luther Jackson Middle School , at 7:00 p.m.

The Fairfax County School Board

School Board Office | School Board Members

12 minutes ago
Sully District Member - Seema Dixit - Recent Updates
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