Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS! 

Well, it has been another beautiful and active fall week here in this amazing community. It is hard to believe that we are already in November ;>) There continue to be such inspiring moments, large and small all over this amazing school division. As we contemplate the evolving innovation conversation in our school division, I found the following quote to be both productive and provocative: “Discovery is seeing what everybody else has seen, and thinking what nobody else has thought.” — Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (1893-1986) Nobel Prize Winner. As we move forward, together, let’s continue to  reimagine the possibilities  …

Congratulations to South Lakes High School Art and Design Teacher  Marco Rando, who received the  2025 ArtsFairfax Education Award  for providing exceptional arts education opportunities and experiences! Marco has taught at South Lakes since 2011, where he developed the STEAM Public Art Program in collaboration with Public Art Reston and the Reston Association. The program guides the school’s STEAM Team through the art and design process from concept to installation, culminating in the creation of large-scale, temporary public sculpture on Lake Thoreau’s spillway. Comparing the STEAM Team to a think tank, Marco shares different public art practices with the group, inspiring them to behave and think like artists. Students experience the same process that professional artists follow, including the presentation of design concepts to Public Art Reston and the Reston Association for panel review. Then, his students must create scaled models of the intended design to discover the impact of gravity and environmental elements on the structural design, and the unique challenges artists face in engineering and fabrication. You can learn more  about Marco’s outstanding work in this video . Go Team FCPS!!

In other good news, our focused efforts to improve chronic absenteeism rates are continuing to make a difference! Compared to this point in time last school year, we have a smaller percentage of significantly absent students (9.9% this year as compared to 12.0% last year). We attribute this improvement to several factors. First, our schools continue to use in-person flexible instruction (IPFIT), which was introduced by the Virginia Department of Education as a way for schools to help students recover lost instructional time due to chronic absenteeism. Next, attendance guidance has been provided to all schools outlining strategies and resources to support regular student attendance and remove barriers to attendance. This includes continuing to engage in two-way communication with families using the TalkingPoints app to send positive messaging around student attendance and progress. Finally, more than half of our schools are focused on attendance in their School Improvement and Innovation Plans (SIIPs). This has been a community-wide effort, and I’m proud of the way our students, staff, and families have worked together. Together, all things are possible!!

Speaking of community efforts: I hope you’ll be able to join me tomorrow,  Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at  West Springfield High School for Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward – AI and The Future of Learning. We have 450 attendees registered so far, and we have room for more! Whether you're an educator, student, parent, or community member, attend for an engaging evening as we explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of learning in Fairfax County Public Schools. Teachers who attend will receive two recertification points. Registration for employees is open . Community members can register here .  

Here's what we have planned:

• 6 - 6:30 p.m. : Interactive Expo and Welcome. You'll have the chance to interact with innovative AI tools and meet our trusted partners — Google, Playlab, and Adobe Express, among others —who are helping us bring cutting-edge learning opportunities to FCPS.
• 6:30 - 8 p.m. : An Inspiring Conversation About AI in Education. I'll be joined by Gautam Sethi, our Chief Information Technology Officer, as we welcome two outstanding leaders in education and technology:
  • Steven Butschi, Director of Education, North America – Google (Featured Speaker)
  • Yusuf Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer – Playlab (Guest Panelist)

Together, we'll discuss how FCPS is preparing our students and staff to thrive in an AI-powered future. I look forward to seeing you there, answering your questions about AI, and hearing your thoughts about the exciting possibilities ahead for our schools!  Together, all things are possible…

As you probably know, this Tuesday, November 4, a School Bond Referendum will be on the ballot. FCPS maintains two separate budgets. One is for general operations. The other is for the planning/design and construction of our schools, and it’s funded by taxpayer-approved school bonds. The average U.S. school gets major renovations every 20-25 years. For FCPS, it’s 45 years.  Your vote decides what happens to $460 million worth of school improvements!  Bond-funded projects enable FCPS to provide accessible, sustainable, welcoming spaces for students and staff to thrive, and for community members to convene.  Last year, more than 24 million people used our facilities to hold almost 500,000 events outside of school hours!

School renovations and additions provide the following return on investment:

• Updated and modern spaces for learning.
• More spaces, where possible, for long-term growth.
• Enhanced safety and security features.
• High-efficiency upgrades.
• Enhanced technology access and welcoming entrances.
• Better accessibility for all students, staff, and guests.
• Improved outdoor spaces.
• Lower long-term operating costs.
• More efficient traffic flow and parking (bus loops, kiss and ride).

Make a plan to vote on November 4!  More information about the bond is available online . 

This week we held our final  Community Boundary Review meetings at Irving Middle School, Fairfax, McLean, and Chantilly high schools. As with all previous meetings, we discussed the priorities of the boundary review; the role of the Boundary Review Advisory Committee; the Boundary Explorer Tool and how to provide feedback; past community engagement; next steps in the process; and the changes by school that are specific to each pyramid. Each high school pyramid is represented on the  Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee . In addition to leaving feedback on the  Boundary Explorer Tool , you can find your  pyramid representative’s email address here to share feedback or ask questions. The next step in the process is for the Boundary Review Advisory Committee to help develop potential boundary scenarios and make recommendations to me. I will consider the committee’s recommendations and present my recommendations to the Fairfax County School Board. The board will review final recommendations and vote on any boundary adjustments in early 2026. You can find more information about the  Boundary Review on our website . 

Over the past year,  we have held 44 community meetings with a total engagement of 6,275 participants — 3,916 in Phase 1 and 2,359 in Phase 2 (Part 2) – wow! These meetings gave our school community the opportunity to connect, share their feedback, and engage in this important boundary process. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join me and share your thoughts, concerns, and questions! I would also like to thank the small but mighty Community Relations team of Angela Aldave, Gracie Mendez-Arellano, and Gonzalo Bernal, as well as Natashi Anthony, for their work in making all these meetings happen. Go Team FCPS!!

On Monday afternoon, I joined a meeting of the  Military-Connected Youth Advisory Council at Gatehouse Administration Center. These meetings help identify and address unique challenges faced by military-connected students, such as frequent relocations and deployments, by advocating for targeted resources and policies. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that benefits both military-connected students and the broader community. Many ideas were shared, and plans made to support our military connected students. One such important initiative is the Purple Star Schools designation, which recognizes schools for excelling in their support of military-connected students. I’m proud to say that FCPS has set a goal of becoming a Purple Star Division by the 2026-27 school year! The Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.  The total number of Purple Star Schools in FCPS is now 145 , nearly 75% of schools! A positive school climate is part of  FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered .  

Tuesday morning we held our 2025 State of Our Schools event . Hundreds of staff, students, and community leaders came together for this year’s event, celebrating student achievement, community partnerships, and the bright future of public education in Fairfax County. The day began with beautiful performances by the Chantilly High School Chamber Orchestra and Falls Church High School Guitar Ensemble, setting the tone for a celebration of student talent, innovation, and collaboration. Go Chargers and Jaguars!! Throughout the program, we spotlighted students who are leading the way in learning and creativity. Sixth graders shared their experiences in the Algebra 1 pilot program, middle school athletes discussed how the new track and field initiative is fostering teamwork and wellness, and Ryan, a high school student, described creating an essay contest with the Embassy of Spain to honor Bernardo de Gálvez — an important but often overlooked historical figure. We also celebrated  the numerous accomplishments of FCPS students and staff from the 2024-25 school year.

I also shared updates on our budget, Capital Improvement Program, the upcoming bond referendum, and plans for the  new western high school . The event reflected the strong collaboration between students, educators, and community partners working together to ensure every learner is prepared for success — today and in the future. This work matters!! I am also pleased to announce that the  2024 State of Our Schools event won an  Award of Excellence in the Special Campaign category from the  Chesapeake School Public Relations Association (CHESPRA) . The  CHESPRA Awards celebrate outstanding work in school communication across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success! Go Team FCPS!!

Tuesday afternoon, I joined the Hispanic Educators Association for its Annual Meeting and Fall Mixer at our Willow Oaks Administrative Center. We have so many great affinity and advocacy groups active and thoughtfully informing our mission driven work. Such a great reminder that together, all things are possible.

Thursday afternoon, I joined a Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce meeting. We discussed how a strong public school system is the bedrock for strong economies and communities. I was excited to share data on progress towards our 2023-30 Strategic Plan , answer questions about career paths of the future and the next generation of the workforce, and educate the group on the upcoming Bond Referendum. I always enjoy meeting with local Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs so that we can continue working in community to meet the needs of our young people! Learning happens best in community and we have a great community!!

Thursday evening, I attended the first  Strategic Plan Advisory Group meeting of the year, held at Gatehouse Administration Center. The group is composed of parents, staff, and community members whose purpose is to provide feedback that informs the implementation of the  2023-30 Strategic Plan and to share ideas for potential partnerships with community organizations as we work to advance our strategic priorities. The focus of this meeting was the data related to  Goal 1: Strong Start, PreK-12 , as well as the  Future-Ready Index .

Friday evening, I attended the performance of Hadestown at West Potomac High school. It was an incredible performance!! I am so impressed with the quality of our actors, stage crews, and staff who support these performances, it matters. West Potomac High School Theater Director Omar Cruz shared, “I am so proud of what these students have accomplished and grateful for their commitment to pushing the standard of excellence even higher.” I enjoyed celebrating the West Potomac theater student artistry as another example of excellence in FCPS. 

Early Saturday morning, I started my day by attending a middle school cross country meet at Herndon Middle School. It was a beautiful morning and so many in our community turned out to support our middle school athletes. This continues to be such an important investment for our young people. 

Later Saturday morning, we held a Community Boundary meeting specifically for our new western high school for families in the western pyramids. More information about the school  is available on our website . It is important to note that there are still a variety of options under consideration for phasing in students for the opening of the new high school.  We look forward to the continued conversation as we plan and work forward; together all things are possible.    

Following this meeting, I attended the regional cheer competition hosted by Centreville High School. Wow!! I am so impressed with the athleticism and talent of our FCPS cheer squads. The strength, teamwork, and choreography were so incredible. I continue to be so grateful for all those who coach and support these student athletes and activities. Also, many thanks to the principals, athletic directors and staff, trainers, and community members who turn out to support these student athletes and programs, it matters. Well done!!

Finally, on Saturday afternoon, I attended the performance of  A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Lake Braddock Secondary School. For many of our theatre staff out there, you know I have a hard time understanding the Shakespeare performances and storylines. However, this version of the play I think I mostly followed ;>) It was a cleverly contemporary infused performance and I am now closer to understanding the storyline. Lake Braddock Secondary School Director John Tourtellotte shared, “…we should all take time to reflect on the dark and complicated nature and behaviors of humanity, the better to understand ourselves and thus make a better world, and to share those stories with audiences to move them in the true cathartic sense.” This is certainly a cornerstone of our mission driven work.

And so in closing, as I contemplate my excitement over the possibilities associated with my extra hour this weekend, I am reminded of a quote recently shared with me; “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking, don't settle.” — Steve Jobs, Co-Founder Apple Inc. I am loving what we are doing here and I remain so grateful to be doing it with you...

Enjoy your gift of time,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent