Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS,

I trust you are each enjoying a beautiful summer evening. Wow, what a smooth start to another epic school year we have had this week. As I have been out in the schools, I have been so moved by the intentional ways in which we are welcoming students, colleagues, and families to our learning communities. Further, our staff, in many different roles, and in ways large and small, are taking that extra time and putting that extra effort into making this start special for all involved. We continue to resolutely focus on our bold strategic plan and remain convinced that this is the year we have planned and prepared for and now we have the unique privilege of living our plan ... As it is so often said, “Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.” ...  loving the passion out there – in Our House .... Thank you!

I have heard so many great stories of the work going on in the schools and departments this week. So many excited students and families about the start of a new school year. Please know how much you are each appreciated. Our community continues to be better for your efforts.

As you might imagine, the first day of school on Monday was quite the whirlwind! I started my day bright and early (4:45 a.m.) at Centreville High School (Go Wildcats!!). I also had the chance to stop by Falls Church High School (Go Jaguars!!), Annandale High School (Go Atoms!!), and Lewis High School (Go Lancers!!). From there, I visited Woodlawn Elementary School (Go Wildcats!!), South County Middle School (Go Mustangs!!), and Saratoga Elementary School (Go Stallions!!). To round out the day, I spent time with students and staff at Orange Hunt Elementary School (Go Owls!!) and Little Run Elementary School (Go Roadrunners!!). Whew! ;>)

Thanks to the hard work of departments across FCPS, on the first day of school: 

• 99.7% of staff positions critical to the opening of school were filled — the highest rate in three years!
• 82,000 student devices were checked out.
• 96% of our buses — covering nearly 6,000 routes — arrived on time.
• Bus driver vacancies dropped by 48% (126 to 65) compared to this time last year.
• More than 74,000 breakfast and lunches were served.

We continue to be so grateful for the many, many support staff who make sure that all of our schools and the varied needs of our students are met so that they can effectively learn. Thank you and well done, this work matters!!

At each school, I saw students eager to dive into new lessons, educators fostering welcoming and engaging environments, and families proud to see their children thriving. As we move into the third year of the  2023-30 Strategic Plan , I look forward to continuing our work guided by our core values: excellence, equity, and opportunity — ensuring each and every student has access to high-quality learning, a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, and the chance to reach their full potential.

As I said in my message to staff on Monday, thank you for all the hard work and dedication that each of you put into the start of this new school year — it showed! As I was traveling around the division visiting schools, I was reminded of the power and promise of public education – this work matters!!

Check out this video , as well as  this story on our website , for a taste of the first day of school. From cheerful greetings to classrooms buzzing with excitement, the first day brought nothing but smiles across Fairfax County! Go Team FCPS!!

On Tuesday, I continued to be energized by the laughter and learning already taking shape in our classrooms as I began my day at Herndon Middle School (Go Hawks!!), then made my way to McNair Elementary (Go Mustangs!!) and Coates Elementary (Go Stars!!), where students were already diving into new lessons and reconnecting with friends. Later, I visited Navy Elementary (Go Dolphins!!), Freedom Hill Elementary (Go Eagles!!), and Shrevewood Elementary (Go Wise Owls!!). Each stop offered a glimpse of the unique spirit that makes every school community so special. I ended the day at Bailey’s Elementary (Go Tigers!!), where the joy and enthusiasm of our students reminded me once again of the strength and creativity of our FCPS community and the bright year ahead.

Tuesday evening, I had a wonderful time cheering as the South Lakes High School girls volleyball team scrimmaged Robinson Secondary School. I also attended the girls volleyball scrimmage at Madison High School against John Champe High School on Wednesday evening. The matches were full of determination and great teamwork, and I was so impressed by the effort from all the teams. It was inspiring to see the pride and enthusiasm from the South Lakes, Robinson and Madison communities throughout the games. Go Seahawks!! Go Rams!! Go Warhawks!! 

On Wednesday morning I joined the Rotary Club of Herndon for a breakfast meeting to thank members for their ongoing support of students and families. One highlight I shared was the success of our FCPS Bookmobile, which delivered more than 1,000 donated books to students across the county this summer. Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Herndon, the RoSigle Foundation, local businesses, and community members, our students had access to books that kept them engaged in learning all summer long. Research shows that reading just six books over the summer can help children maintain or even grow their skills, making these donations especially meaningful — and giving our students a strong start to the school year! I am so grateful for the Rotary Club’s partnership and for the generosity of our community. Together, we are creating opportunities and building brighter futures for each and every child in Fairfax County!  Learning definitely happens best in community!!

This week, I also had the joy of celebrating the start of the school year alongside families and staff at several Back to School Night events across the division. On Wednesday evening, Chesterbrook Elementary rolled out a wonderful community Potluck and Cookout, and it was such a delight to see families sharing food, laughter, and connection. I also stopped by Churchill Road Elementary, where the excitement in the building was contagious as students proudly showed off their classrooms and teachers welcomed families with open arms. Go Chipmunks!! Go Bobcats!!

On Thursday, I visited Frost Middle School and Madison High School for their back to school nights, where I was inspired by the dedication and partnership between our students, families, and educators. These evenings are a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds we form with our school communities to support student success across FCPS. Go Falcons!! Go Warhawks!! Together, all things are possible!!

On Friday evening, I had a great time joining the White Oaks Elementary community for their Welcome Back Block Party — it was a joy to see students, staff, and families reconnecting and sharing in the excited anticipation of a new school year with new opportunities. Learning happens best in community and the evening was filled with smiles and warmth, reminding me once again how strong and supportive our school communities are. Go Eagles!!

I want to thank you for the great energy this week as we welcomed our students back to a new school year, full of promise and possibility. It is so inspiring to be back together again as we lean into learning at the start of the school year.  I have so enjoyed joining various back to school events with our students, staff and families. I am reminded that the family that plays together, stays together ;>). It is so important for us to connect and “Remember who you are.” – Mufasa. We are Fairfax County Public Schools!!

Take good care,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent