FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid speaks to a large group of high school students attending the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit in the auditorium at Skyview High School.

Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

By Dr. Reid
Superintendent's Messages
March 30, 2026

Hello Team FCPS!

Well, here we are; the last week of March. As I have mentioned earlier, March certainly came in like a lion and is going out like (you guessed it;>) a lamb. And so, here are my thoughts and reflections this evening ...

On Monday morning, I had the privilege of engaging with high school students from across the division at our inaugural Superintendent Student Summit at Skyview High School. From the moment we gathered, it was clear that our students are deeply thoughtful about their experiences and passionate about shaping the future of their schools. Through meaningful discussions on topics ranging from life after high school to equity, innovation, and belonging, students demonstrated not only a strong understanding of the challenges they face, but also a remarkable ability to propose solutions grounded in collaboration and care for their communities.

A small group of high school students that attended the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit at Skyview High School sit together on indoor bleachers, engaged in conversation.

I was especially inspired by the leadership of our Student Summit Planning Committee and the depth of insight shared during the final presentations. Listening to these student-driven recommendations reinforced my belief that there is nothing more important than investing in the power and promise of public education. Their perspectives affirm the critical importance of our work under our 2023-30 Strategic Plan . Our students will continue to lead us!!

Dr. Reid standing on a staircase with a group of high school students at Skyview High School.

Monday night, I attended Japan-Virginia Night at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C, led by Ambassador Shigeo Yamada. Virginia and Japan enjoy deep historic ties rooted in shared economic and cultural exchange. Japan-Virginia Night is an opportunity to strengthen and expand the partnership between our two communities. It was also an opportunity to discuss world language programs with our VDOE partners as well as hearing from our new governor.

Dr. Reid standing with a group of women at the Japanese Embassy.

Wednesday evening I had the opportunity to attend the kickoff boundary meeting for Skyview High School , where we began an important conversation with families and community members about shaping the school’s future. I appreciated hearing thoughtful questions and perspectives as we work to create the school’s new attendance zones. Engagement like this is essential, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue in the months ahead. This work matters!!

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid observes a group of parents sitting around a table engaged in a discussion at the kickoff boundary meeting for Skyview High School.

Later that evening, I went to the International Show at Robinson Secondary School, which was organized by the school’s Asian Student Association and Latin American Student Association. There were lots of outstanding student performers sharing their cultural traditions and customs through their songs, dances, and costumes. I joined Principal Tracey Phillips and members of her team as we (and a full house) enjoyed a wide variety of incredibly beautiful performances that were culturally inspired.

A group of students on stage with flags from several different countries performing in Robinson Secondary School's International Show.

Thursday morning, I went to Woodson High School for a meeting with the Student Advisory Council (SAC). The group includes students from every high school in FCPS and has been working collaboratively this year to develop recommendations aligned to each Strategic Plan goal. Their work includes recommendations for:

Goal 1: Strong Start: Pre-K-12

Expanding peer mentorship opportunities.
Increasing awareness of middle and high school course pathways.

Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered

Improving awareness of mental health resources for students and families.
Discouraging the use of artificial intelligence for mental health evaluations.

Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

Integrating executive functioning skills in elementary and middle schools.
Strengthening student supports to promote academic growth and excellence.

Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity

Ensuring that Multilingual Learners’ academic abilities are accurately measured while improving students’ success in passing the WIDA test.
Reducing barriers to high school club participation.
Exploring interest in an equestrian riding club.

Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

Standardizing internships, job shadowing, alumni mentorship, and apprenticeship programs to better support students after high school.
Strengthening financial literacy curricula across FCPS.

Dr. Reid with staff and students at the Student Advisory Council meeting at Woodson High School.

I truly value the students’ insightful ideas and meaningful discussion. Their voices and perspectives will shape our ongoing efforts to ensure FCPS is a place where every student can succeed. This work is part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

School Board meeting presentation slide with the title

During the Academic Matters segment of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, I discussed Fine Arts in FCPS . As highlighted in the slide above, the arts in FCPS are fundamental to cultivating essential student skills. FCPS is committed to early, universal exposure to the arts to ensure all students have opportunity and access to arts instruction where they develop durable skills in environments that promote belonging and self-expression, such as:

Fostering a sense of belonging.
Building math and pattern recognition abilities.
Closing opportunity gaps.
Enhancing fine motor skills.
Encouraging self-expression.

Beginning in elementary school, students are introduced to music, visual arts, and theater through equitable access and engaging instruction that builds foundational skills and a love for the arts. As our students progress to middle and high school, those opportunities expand to include advanced coursework, specialized programs, and career pathways that allow them to deepen their talents and interests. For example, 33.8% of high school students enrolled in Fine Arts courses participate in weighted advanced courses (more than 7,700 students).

Opportunities for Advanced Coursework in Fine Arts.” On the left, text highlights enrollment data: 33.8% of high school students in fine arts participate in weighted advanced courses (over 7,700 students), and enrollment in these courses increased by 4% from SY 2024–25 to SY 2025–26. Below, a list of advanced course offerings includes Honors (Art, Dance, Music, Theatre), AP (Art and Music), IB (Art, Dance, Music, Theatre), and Dual Enrollment (Art and Theatre). On the right, a photo shows a group of high sc

Advanced course offerings include:

Advanced Level Courses (Honors): Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre.
Advanced Placement (AP): Art and Music.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre.
Dual Enrollment (DE): Art and Theatre.

Students also participate in performances, exhibitions, and portfolio development that not only showcase their learning but also strengthen skills like perseverance, teamwork, and critical thinking. I am especially encouraged by the continued growth in participation across our fine arts programs and the ways these experiences help students feel connected and inspired. Enrollment in weighted advanced fine arts courses increased 4% from the 2024-25 to 2025-26 school years.

I also shared this video about Fine Arts and access to academic rigor . It explains how courses such as IB Dance and AP 2D Studio Art and Drawing use a process similar to the scientific method, where students experiment, reflect, and refine their work over time. These courses offer the same level of rigor as math or history, requiring research, writing, cultural understanding, and in-depth analysis. Students also build portfolios that support college applications and explore personal interests in meaningful ways, often connecting their artistic work to future goals. Beyond content knowledge, the classes develop essential life skills such as time management, collaboration, communication, and professionalism. Ultimately, fine arts programs not only prepare students for college and careers but also provide a supportive space for self-expression and personal growth.

In the Superintendent Matters portion of the School Board meeting, I extended wishes for a joyful, renewing, and refreshing spring break and shared my anticipation of welcoming students and staff back afterward, as we prepare for a strong finish to the school year.

Friday morning, we had a chance to host some of our friends from the Embassy of Japan at Skyview High School. New Principal Dave Jagels, Dr. Ponce, and I were pleased to welcome Hiroshi Ando, education counsellor, and Masatsugu Odaira, minister of public affairs, to learn more about our vision for the new high school, to hear about Dave’s experiences as the principal during this important planning phase, and our vision for the power and promise of public education.

On Saturday morning, I went to Annandale High School for a baseball tournament. I was there in time to watch the Atoms take on the Colonials from TJHSST. Even with the chilly early spring weather, it was great to see our student athletes competing. It was also great to catch up with baseball moms as we know these are our best years enjoying our children in so many opportunities to learn and grow.

And so, as we approach the coming spring break, I wish for each of you a joyful and energizing week.

Warmest regards,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools