Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS!

Well, I am still working my way out of the disappointment of Groundhog Day... As the groundhog did see his shadow, it seems we are in for another six weeks of winter. Even with the continued cold weather, I remain confident spring is simply around the corner. To that end, I love this thought...."A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." --- Maya Angelou. Let's have a great February winter week ahead.

Are you tired of all the cold weather? I know I am! Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division! I am encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their tropical beach wear to help welcome spring sooner than later on Thursday, February 19. Let’s turn a chilly winter season into a splash of sunshine and smiles as we celebrate school division spirit together across FCPS! Stay tuned for more to come on this event …

Photo credit: Melanie Heaney/U.S. Figure Skating

The 2026 Winter Olympics have begun, and two FCPS graduates are in Italy representing Team USA! One of those Olympians is Ilia Malinin (pictured above), a 2023 graduate of Marshall High School and a Vienna resident, who will compete in figure skating at his first Winter Olympics after being an alternate for the 2022 Beijing Games. Known as “The Quad God,” Ilia has pushed the sport’s limits by landing a record six quad jumps in competition, including the quadruple axel, the most difficult jump in figure skating. 

Photo credit: U.S. Speedskating

Also representing Team USA is Brandon Kim (pictured above), a 2020 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), who will compete in short track speedskating. Brandon earned a bronze medal at the World Junior Short Track Speedskating Championships as a TJHSST junior and has since represented the United States at two world championships. You can read more about these two outstanding FCPS athletes on our website . Go Team USA!!

The accomplishments of these athletes highlight our commitment to developing well-rounded students and expanding access to athletics. Looking ahead, we are preparing students for future Olympic opportunities. Girls flag football will debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics. And thanks to a partnership with the Washington Commanders, it is now one of the athletic programs we offer at FCPS. The debut of  Girls Flag Football in FCPS  reflects the sport’s rapid national growth and increasing college scholarship opportunities.

Excellence is all around us here in FCPS! In the early hours of last Tuesday morning, Rachelle Wigenton, operations manager in the Area 4 Transportation Office, responded to a water main break at Marshall Road Elementary School. Without hesitation, she took immediate action to relocate buses to mitigate potential damage and ensure continuity of service delivery. This response came as the Transportation team prepared for the first day back following a challenging snow recovery. Rachelle’s decisiveness, professionalism, and commitment to our students exemplify the dedication that keeps our operation moving forward, even under difficult conditions. Thank you, Rachelle! Go Team FCPS!!

On Monday evening, I attended the varsity girls’ basketball game at Lewis High School against Edison High School. This was a great game complete with the Lewis cheer team hosting a camp for young cheerleaders ;>) Definitely a strong sense of community and spirit in the gym. Go Lancers!! Go Eagles!!

On Tuesday afternoon, I stopped by Falls Church High School, Columbia Elementary School, and Poe Middle School for a school check in. It is so inspiring to see our educators and students so focused on the many lessons embodied in a world class education. Go Jaguars, Cougars, and Ravens!! 

Also on Tuesday, we held a meeting of the Superintendent’s Advisory Group on 2e ( Twice-Exceptional ) Programming at Gatehouse Administration Center, during which the committee members had an opportunity to hear about the latest initiatives, actions, and projects managed by the FCPS 2e project team. A central focus was finalizing the protocol to facilitate student focus groups beginning in February. The committee recognizes the importance of student voice, as we work towards creating inclusive, accessible, and engaging environments in which our 2e students can thrive. The committee will use data generated from the focus groups along with several other metrics to inform work moving forward. 

I’m grateful for the collaborative efforts to strengthen our support for every student — this work truly makes a difference! Student academic inclusion and engagement are part of the  2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

On Wednesday afternoon, I visited classrooms at Ravensworth, Parklawn, and Glen Forest Elementary schools. The students at Parklawn Elementary (pictured above) were planning outdoor environments that incorporate water sources. So many creative ideas! Our students and educators continue to inspire me in so many ways as we focus on our mission driven work, it matters. Go Ravens, Panthers, and Eagles!!

Later on Wednesday, we held a meeting of the Family Vision Group for Quad 3 at Oak View Elementary School. Similar to previous Family Vision Group meetings, we discussed understanding report cards, the volunteer management system, and the budget development process. I always appreciate the parents and caregivers who make the time to attend and share thoughtful feedback that helps us continue strengthening our schools. Together, all things are possible!!

On Thursday evening, I attended the fourth-grade strings concert at Centreville Elementary School. I am so impressed with the talent of our young student musicians and the educators who support them. The fine and performing arts remain a cornerstone of a world class education. Go Eagles!! 

Later Thursday evening, I was also able to stop by Westfield High School for the girls’ basketball game against Oakton High School. I continue to appreciate all those who support our many and varied athletic events evening after evening and weekend after weekend, it matters. Go Bulldogs and Cougars!!

Friday evening, I stopped by Sunrise Valley Elementary School for its spelling bee. I am not sure I could have spelled the many words I heard correctly. The school was buzzing :>) with excitement! Go Eagles!!

Early Saturday morning, I went to Lake Braddock Secondary School for the Instructional Job Fair. Our leaders were excited to meet so many talented people who shared their interest in being a part of FCPS' #ExcellentEducators! It was exciting and inspiring to see so many excited educators wanting to join Team FCPS!!

We are moving along in our development process for FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget, which focuses on sustaining excellence for our students, staff, families, and all of Fairfax County. I encourage each of you to tune in to the two important FY 27 Proposed Budget events taking place on Tuesday, February 10:

• A School Board work session from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• A public hearing , which is open to the public and starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackson Middle School auditorium (doors open at 5:45 p.m.). Depending on the number of community participants who have registered to speak, there may be a second public hearing session on Wednesday, February 11. 

Our FY 27 Budget priorities, which you can read more about in last month’s FY 27 Proposed Budget presentation , include prioritizing competitive compensation, beginning to restore last fiscal year’s reductions, and continuing multiyear initiatives. Visit our website  to learn how to watch and/or participate in School Board work sessions, public hearings, and meetings or visit FCPS’ Budget webpage  to learn more. 

As I close my remarks this evening, at the end of a long and productive weekend and the first half of our school year, I remain grateful for the many opportunities we each have to make a difference.  This is hard work we are engaged in, during a time of great challenge in our community and country.  I want to thank each of you for all the passion, dedication and love you bring to this work; it matters. Here in Our House, we understand the importance of community and the strength we draw from one another; together all things are possible. 

As we approach this winter week ahead, I am both thoughtful and reflective as I recently reread this passage from Amanda Gorman's poem,  The Miracle of Morning , -

“While we might feel small, separate, and all alone,  
Our people have never been more closely tethered.  The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, 
But how we will weather this unknown together.” 

All the best and take good care as we weather these times together,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent