Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS,

Well, spring has officially arrived!! I for one am certainly celebrating the drier and warmer weather!! I trust that you will have an opportunity to get outside and feel the sun on your face as the magic of spring unfolds. And so, the end of March is coming, and as we approach the start of a new and glorious month, I wish each of you a joyful spring week ahead and a thought to contemplate as we exuberantly celebrate the changing of the seasons; “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank.

I’m proud to share that three teams and 33 individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and three teams and 34 individuals were the state runners-up for the 2025-26 winter sports season! FCPS teams and individuals also won Rifle championships, which are non-VHSL sports. A complete list of all the winners and runners-up is available on our site . Congratulations to all our outstanding student-athletes!! Consistent availability and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities is part of Goal 4 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Equitable Access and Opportunity .

And a big congratulations to FCPS’ nine Grand Prize award winners from last week’s 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair! During this event, more than 640 students presented roughly 400 high school research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 250 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses. You can see the list of the FCPS students and projects that received Grand Prize awards on our website, including one project titled “TorSight: Transitioning from Tornado Detection to Prediction through Pre-Tornadic Signatures” — very timely, given last week’s weather! I look forward to our students solving many of the challenges we regularly face.  

Our students’ winning projects spanned a variety of categories: Animal Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design, and Physics and Astronomy. These winners are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in April. Congratulations to our winners and we wish them luck in their next round!

Speaking of science: you may recall Armaan, a sixth-grade student at Lorton Station Elementary School who participated in the SPARK Expo, from a recent edition of Weekly Reflections . I visited him for an Our Voices, Our Future video conversation in which we discussed the Theory of General Relativity and complex concepts such as the Einstein field equation, gravitational time dilation, and the quest to bridge the gap between relativity and quantum physics (and if you didn’t understand any of that, I highly encourage you to watch Armaan’s video). This brilliant young Roadrunner is running full STEAM ;>) ahead towards his future in science.  The video also features Lorton Station Principal Francis Legagneur and Advanced Academic Center Teacher CasSandra Tynes, who explain their commitment to inspiring and empowering students like Armaan to reach their full potential through innovation, curiosity, and academic excellence. Go Roadrunners and go Team FCPS!!

Congratulations are also in order for Titus Er (pictured above), a senior at Chantilly High School, who has been awarded the prestigious Harry F. Byrd Jr. Leadership Award! This $30,000 scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and community service. Selected through a competitive process at the congressional district level, he is the first student from Chantilly to receive this honor. Go Chargers!!

A friendly reminder that our 2025-26 Family Engagement Survey is open through March 23 – that’s tomorrow!! If you’re a parent or caregiver, you should have received an email invitation with your own unique survey link from FCPS on March 9 (subject line: FCPS Family Engagement Survey). Otherwise, you can use this general survey link . Results from this confidential survey are used to deepen our engagement with families and continue building trust as we work in community to support our students’ success. Thank you for helping FCPS better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community! 

About 70% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), which is currently reviewing its FY 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website has information on ways that community members can provide feedback and input . I encourage you to make your voice heard! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to complete the county’s FY 27 Advertised Budget survey , which invites residents to share any specific adjustments they would recommend to the Advertised Budget and feedback on:

• The budget’s overall direction.
• How budget changes are approached.
• Budget priorities.

You can also provide your input during the county’s FY27 Budget public hearings (April 14 at 4 p.m. and April 15 and 16 at 3 p.m.) and at county Budget Town Hall Meetings (several are taking place this week in the Braddock, Dranesville, and Hunter Mill districts, and new meetings will continue to be posted on the County’s webpage as they’re scheduled). I also encourage you to visit our webpage to learn more about FCPS’ FY 2027 Budget and see how we are sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and entire community. 

I have an exciting update on FCPS’ journey towards the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award! Last week we reached a major milestone when, following the submission of our 50-page application, more than a dozen Baldrige examiners joined us in-person and virtually to visit our schools and centers, as well as conduct interviews with Team FCPS. As you may remember, the Baldrige Award is the highest level of national recognition that a U.S. organization can receive for demonstrating their performance excellence, resilience, and long-term success. The application process, guided by Baldrige examiners and The Partnership for Excellence (TPE) allows us to receive feedback on how we can lean into our strengths, and it identifies opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

We began with a special kickoff event at Willow Oaks on Monday morning with our community partners. The event was hosted by FCPS’ Chief of Staff Marty Smith (you can see him holding our 50 page application in the photo above!) and featured remarks from TPE, as well as a wonderful performance from the Mount Vernon High School Orchestra, led by Orchestra Director Al Rodriguez. Al was recently featured in Yamaha’s prestigious national “40 Under 40” recognition for 2026! Go Team FCPS and go Majors!!

I also gave a presentation about FCPS and the incredible work we do each and every day across Baldrige’s six organizational categories: leadership, strategy, customers, measurement, workforce, operations, and results. Between Monday’s kickoff event and Wednesday afternoon, the Baldrige examiners met and interviewed specific members of Team FCPS, including those who had helped to prepare our 25 and 50 page applications and employees from each operational department. The Baldrige examiners also visited more than a dozen FCPS sites to verify and clarify the strengths and opportunities for improvement examiners identified in our 50-page application. Their findings will inform what level of award recognition we may receive as an organization in May. In June we will receive a formal feedback report which will help us continue improving and build a strong future for all of Fairfax County. Thank you to TPE and our Baldrige examiners for their expertise and thank you to Team FCPS for helping us accomplish this major milestone in our Baldrige journey! Stay tuned!

I began my day on Tuesday by visiting Hollin Meadows Elementary School, led by Principal Jasibi Crews. While I was there I visited a fourth-grade classroom that was engaged in a community building game and a fifth-grade science class that was doing a review in the form of a graffiti wall (a Project GLAD [Guided Language Acquisition Design] strategy). I also had the opportunity to visit two third-grade classrooms engaged with Benchmark Advance, our new K-6 Language Arts curriculum. Students were hard at work using an interactive scaffolding strategy for comparing and contrasting. Go Hornets!!

Next, I visited Groveton Elementary School, led by Principal James Swoger, where I observed a fifth-grade team working together to prepare students for the SOL tests. Using student data, they conducted reviews and identified resources to help students think about their own learning during tests. The team also shared how their Walk to Read program has been successful (more on that below!), and how the third-grade team is using data to celebrate student growth. In addition, I visited a second-grade multilingual learners group using Project GLAD strategies during a Benchmark Express lesson, where students made real-life connections to new vocabulary. It was great to see strong teamwork and a clear focus on supporting every student’s needs. Go Tigers!!

My last visit was to Hybla Valley Elementary School, which is led by Principal Kathleen Sain. I had the opportunity to visit Ms. Khan’s and Ms. Bonilla’s pre-K classrooms, where our strategic plan is truly in action each day ( Strategic Plan Goal 1 - Strong Start: Pre-K-12 ), providing a strong start for our youngest learners. Students were actively exploring early reading and mathematics concepts through visuals and movement, demonstrating both engagement and joy in learning. While it may have been St. Patrick’s Day, it was clear that the real magic happens every day in Hybla Valley’s pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. The Husky community is deeply committed to ensuring every student begins their journey with confidence, knowing that a strong start helps build positive identities and sets the foundation for success, not only in FCPS, but in life. Go Huskies!!

On Tuesday evening, we held a Community Conversation at Glen Forest Elementary School. Some of the topics of conversation were boundary changes and their associated transportation challenges, immigration enforcement in schools and school communities, and special education and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). I encourage each of you to register for an upcoming Community Conversation , which are open to all and will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

• Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.

I also held an Employee Conversation last week at Lemon Road Elementary School. Highlights from our discussion included the grading policy, staffing, the FY 2027 Budget, math instruction and algebra access, and more. If you weren’t able to attend a meeting last week, there are several more scheduled. We have two more Employee Conversations on April 7 and 14; visit the Superintendent Engagement Atlas page for details. I always appreciate the staff members, parents, and caregivers who make the time to attend and share feedback and concerns about their schools. Together, all things are possible!!

On Wednesday afternoon, I attended a meeting of the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program at Gatehouse Administration Center, where I welcomed 31 juniors from nearly all of our high schools into the program’s 26th class. We spoke on the importance of the program being a cornerstone of student leadership development in our county and we had a wonderful discussion afterwards. In our school division, we benefit when everyone's voices are heard. Programs like this remind us that the next generation of leaders is already here, developing ideas and thinking about how to make a positive impact. I am proud of this new class and look forward to the contributions they will make in the year ahead!

On Thursday morning I attended the National Center on Education and the Economy’s webinar, “Excellence at Scale: What the World’s Best Education Systems Get Right.” We heard from leaders in Finland, Singapore, Estonia, and the United States on the policy and system design choices which deliver strong results for students and society. We have much to consider, as we work to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students!

On Thursday afternoon I participated in a panel discussion for Leadership Greater Washington. This was a great opportunity to visit with community leaders across the DMV and share the importance of delivering on the power and promise of public education. I appreciate the learning centered approach and the realization that our mission driven work here in FCPS continues to deliver for so many students and serves as a model for our country. This work matters.

Late Thursday afternoon, the Marshall Academy Culinary Program provided food for the board reception, where we all had an opportunity to sample appetizers prepared by talented culinary students and I got to meet their instructor, Chef Sean Appleby. Chef Appleby, a graduate of the program himself, was recently named the 2026 Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) New Teacher of the Year . It’s an impressive honor that recognizes excellence and innovation in career and technical education. His journey from student to award-winning educator is a powerful example of how our CTE programs prepare students for real-world success. I am grateful for dedicated educators like Chef Appleby, whose passion and expertise help inspire the next generation of professionals. Go Statesmen!!

In the Strategic Plan Update portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, I discussed Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered , specifically, positive school climate with a focus on middle school theatre arts. I’m proud to say that FCPS is one of just a few school divisions across the nation which offer a comprehensive middle school theatre curriculum. We have approximately 4,500 students enrolled in the academic curriculum, and more than 4,000 students participating in comprehensive extracurricular theater programs including musical productions, short plays, Drama Clubs, and field trips. 

Middle school performing arts are important because they:

• Build foundational skills in theatre.
• Develop confident, collaborative leaders.
• Strengthen the pipeline to high school theatre.
• Cultivate a vibrant, sustainable arts community.
• Create welcoming entry points for students, families, and community members.
• Foster pride, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.   

As part of my presentation, I shared this inspiring look at theater in FCPS , where students describe how performing arts became more than just a class. For Anahi, theater is a space to express her truest self without judgment. For Nathan, it opened doors to skills and opportunities he never expected. For Ethan and Nyathatuk, it has built confidence, self-advocacy, and lifelong friendships. And for Mila, technical theater shows that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to be part of the magic!

In the Academic Matters portion of the School Board meeting, I discussed the Walk to Read Program , which is a piloted initiative that brings third-grade students in Early Literacy Project Momentum schools together for a targeted 30-minute reading intervention block based on their specific needs. Walk to Read is a differentiated intervention model which utilizes collective responsibility. Its “All Hands on Deck” approach utilizes all available staff for the 30-minute intervention block. Teachers with more reading expertise support students with more intensive reading needs and staff provide teacher-led instruction rather than monitoring independent practice.

Every student in this program walks to read from class to class as they participate – although some students are so excited that they run to read, as you can see in the video we shared, which shows how this collective approach has empowered teachers, fostered collaboration among staff, and led to significant reading progress. Students are grouped by common reading needs, based on data, and those below grade level receive targeted skill instruction. Students on or above grade level receive reteaching and enrichment, and groups are smaller if needs are greater.

As you can see in the chart above ( the accessible version is available online ), this work is paying off! For our early literacy students, between fall 2025 and winter 2026, we’ve had double digit decreases in below grade level performance on the G3 iReady. These improvements are growing at a similar or faster rate than the division overall. This has been an intensive effort, and I appreciate all of the members of Team FCPS who took on this extra work so that we could support stronger outcomes for our young learners. This work matters!!

Saturday morning, I attended Newington Forest Elementary School’s STEAMOLOGY SPRING STEM Fest. This annual event featured STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities for K-6 students, including robotics, coding, and chromatography. There were also plenty of science experiments and lots of opportunities for these Knights to practice their sword-er of operations! ;>) I also enjoyed making slime ;>) I also appreciate the many high school students who showed up to support our younger learners in their science journey, it matters. Go Knights!!

On Sunday morning I went to the Bolivian Carnival at Ossian Hall City Park in Annandale. It was a wonderful celebration of Bolivian culture, music, and folkloric dance. Learning happens best in community and our community definitely showed up on this beautiful early spring day. Our students and families, and even staff members and alumni enjoyed the festival, and the music, dancing and the traditional costumes were beautiful. The park was crowded and alive with positive energy and fellowship throughout the day. 

Later Sunday afternoon, I stopped by the 2026 Fairfax County Spelling Bee at Lake Braddock Secondary School, where elementary and middle school students from Fairfax County and Alexandria City were buzzing with excitement! ;>) As this is the 101 ^st year of the National Spelling Bee, it is a great opportunity to recognize the hard work and discipline of so many students (over 90 students this year) and staff as well as the partnership with our FCCPTA, together all things are possible. 

Well as I close out my reflections this evening, I am watching some of the March Madness games (currently Tennessee v. Virginia). Such an exciting time of the year if you are a college basketball fan!!  Also, an opportunity to reflect on the thoughts of one of our great women’s basketball coaches, South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, “I live by two mottos: A disciplined person can do anything. Dare to do what you don't want -- to get what you do want.”  

Take good care and enjoy this beautiful last week of March,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent