Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS,

What a fabulous time of the year spring is and what an amazing weekend to be outdoors!! I for one love the healing rain as much as the energizing sunshine ;>). I trust that you are each having an opportunity to enjoy time doing something you love, these are our best days.  

I have more good news to share this week, as FCPS student writers won 24 Gold Key awards in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition! In all, 162 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students — wow! Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards. Amenah Rashid, a student at Langley High School, was named an American Voices Nominee for the speculative fiction entry, “On this beach rots the bile of the sea.” You can see the complete list of winners online . 

Speaking of our talented creative students, 217 FCPS high school students were selected to perform at the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event, held April 16-18; and 56 FCPS students were selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Middle School Chorus event, held April 16-17. Both events were at the Richmond Convention Center. Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions in these ensembles. Participants rehearsed with nationally recognized conductors and collaborated with fellow musicians during the events. Congratulations to all the students chosen for these events! You can see the list of performers on our website . 

Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology student Ani Nishanian (pictured above and to the left), who has been named a three-time National STEM Challenge winner! Ani created BioSight Guardian, an AI-powered system that turns everyday glasses into real-time disease detection tools. By analyzing hidden biomarkers in the eye, her innovation identifies early signs of serious conditions before symptoms appear, transforming health care from reactive treatment to proactive, life-saving prevention. Ani will be recognized at the third annual National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., June 24-27. At the Festival, she will showcase her innovation to leaders across business, government, and academia. You can learn more about her project in this video . The students will lead us!! Go Colonials!!

Zoe Ligairi, co-editor-in-chief of The A-Blast at Annandale High School, is the 2026 Col. Charles E. Savedge Scholarship recipient and Virginia High School League (VHSL) Student Journalist of the Year! As part of her award, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship. With nearly 75 stories published over three years (some of them on professional websites ), Zoe has covered every type of topic imaginable. From sports to lifestyles, to page 1 school budget stories , her breadth of work demonstrates she cares about all aspects of her school community. Even when the byline doesn’t hold her name, her influence is revealed in all sections of the newspaper. Thanks to Zoe’s vision and diligence, The A-Blast  is ranked among the nation's Top 10 high school newspapers at Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association conventions. The A-Blast  also earns the Trophy Class Award each year, given to about 8 of 300 schools statewide by VHSL. Congratulations Zoe! Go Atoms!!

On Wednesday, the Madison Pyramid came together for a Day of Service. By centering their efforts on community needs, they made sure their theme “Our Shared Home” reflected Madison’s shared values in action. The day extended learning beyond the classroom, helping students grow as ethical and globally minded citizens. Through hands-on service, students saw firsthand how intentional, compassionate action can strengthen a community. Across the pyramid’s nine schools, approximately 6,525 students contributed an estimated 391,500 hours of service through 80 projects – that’s equivalent to 44 years of community service! Staff and families played an important role too, contributing through direct participation and donations of needed supplies. Together, all things are possible.  

These efforts supported environmental initiatives, local charitable organizations, and outreach to local heroes and military service members on Purple Up Day. As one Thoreau MS Eagle shared, “It made me feel like I was making a difference in someone else's life. I feel as though the deeds I completed today will bring happiness and a smile to another person. I would love to do something like this again. I believe that it is such a privilege to do kind things like this for others.”

Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hosted three public hearings (available to watch on the county website ) in order to get feedback on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget, which will provide about 70% of FCPS’ funding for the upcoming fiscal year. I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts! If you weren’t able to testify at the public hearings, you can complete the county’s FY27 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, and budget priorities.

Looking forward, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will conduct a budget markup and determine the budget package and tax rates next week and then finalize its budget on May 5. Visit our FCPS webpage to learn more about FCPS’ FY27 Advertised Budget and see how we are sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and the entire Fairfax community.

This week, I held several meetings for employees, parents, and community members. The first meeting was a Community Conversation at Belle View Elementary School on Monday. Some of the topics discussed were reducing screen time, the overuse of devices, and the possibilities of artificial intelligence. On Tuesday evening, I held an Employee Conversation at Wolftrap Elementary School where we had a great discussion about special education support, inclusion, the frequency of assessment, the school year calendar, Algebra I, and instructional practices. 

On Wednesday we held a Family Vision Group meeting for Quad 4 at Springfield Estates Elementary School, where the topic was artificial intelligence, similar to other recent Family Vision Group meetings. And Thursday evening I held another Community Conversation at Ravensworth Elementary School, where we spoke about the budget, staffing, advanced math, reducing screen time for younger students, and the calendar. 

This week, there are two more Community Conversationsthat will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on: 

• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on the dates above to register. Registration isn’t required, but it helps with planning, especially for childcare and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit my superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information. I hope to see you there!

On Tuesday I had a busy morning of school visits, which I started at Woodson High School, led by Principal Kevin Greata. I was impressed by the math and world languages departments, which matched the energy of the new murals in the front of the school (see below). In the freshman-level Algebra I and Geometry courses, I watched teachers Lynn Schmauder, Steven Schmitt, Billie Bergthold, Candace Tenerelli, and Martin Terrazas make complex thinking processes clear, engaging, and fun to make sure every student felt supported and was able to learn. It was a treat to see Geometry students still using compasses and protractors for constructing circles, bringing back fond memories of teaching mathematics and as a student using a slide rule ;>)! 

This same level of engagement carried into the Spanish classes of Kathy Marcos and Katrina Cohen. In Katrina’s class, students used colorful maps and visuals to practice real-world navigation through student discussions and presentations in Spanish. Throughout the day, it was clear that effective teaching practices and a focus on student success helped create a positive, upbeat environment, one that really stands out as an example for the division. Go Cavaliers!! 

Next, I went to Olde Creek Elementary School, where I had the opportunity to observe several classrooms across grade levels. In Rachel Cameron’s fifth-grade math class, students were engaged in a mix of independent work and small group instruction as they prepared for their math Standards of Learning (SOL) exams. The structure allowed for targeted support while keeping all students actively involved. And in Julie Rossman’s advanced math class, I saw students working hands-on to identify the circumference of a circle. Their engagement and collaboration reflected a strong understanding of the content. I also visited Sean Brock and Catherine Ly’s third grade classrooms, where students were fully engaged in small group Benchmark Advance lessons. Go Bears!!

During my visit to Bren Mar Park Elementary, I saw strong teaching strategies that show the school’s commitment to helping students succeed. In Kim Robinson’s first-grade class, students worked on basic reading skills using a program called Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI). They practiced clear and simple routines to build their decoding skills, which means sounding out words and connecting letters to their sounds so they can read. During fifth grade, we discussed perimeter and area.  

In Ben Clock’s third-grade Advanced Academics class, I saw how math lessons were adjusted to meet different student needs. Teachers talked about how they plan together to support twice-exceptional (2e) students , while students practiced solving problems using the SOL online math tools. In Tia Jenkins’ fifth-grade class, students used movement and group discussions to better understand area and perimeter. These strong teaching practices are especially impressive as the school continues through a major construction and renovation project, set to be finished in summer 2027. The updates will include a two-story addition, a larger cafeteria, and a new library, increasing the school’s capacity to 800 students. Go Mustangs!!

Next, I arrived at Belvedere Elementary and was warmly greeted by two fifth grade students, which immediately set a welcoming and student-centered tone for my visit. My first stop was Melissa Rimando’s first grade classroom, where students were highly engaged in writing about their spring break experiences. I was struck by how eager they were to share their thoughts and feelings. 

I then visited Beth Dillane’s fourth grade math classroom, where students were beginning a geometry unit. Each student had a photograph of a building or structure and was using it to identify geometric features such as angles and rays. There was a noticeable buzz in the room, as students were actively engaged and making meaningful, real-world connections to their learning, an example of how concepts transfer across contexts. I concluded my visit in the gym with Daniel Bowles and Abigail Novak, who were leading a double class of third graders in a basketball unit. The level of student excitement had the gym buzzing, and the lesson was both energetic and well-structured. This experience brought me back to my own roots as a former physical education teacher and college basketball player, and it was especially powerful to see students so actively involved and having fun while learning. Go Bulldogs!! 

On Wednesday morning, I had the joy of visiting an "Instrument Petting Zoo" at Canterbury Woods Elementary. However, this was no ordinary music instrument demonstration. Woodson High School Orchestra students partnered with a nonprofit called Music: Not Impossible to provide harnesses that transmit live waves of sound into a series of vibrations felt throughout the body to share the magic of music with our students who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) .

These innovative harnesses provide an authentic, multi-sensory ensemble experience, and many participants shared that it was their first time truly "feeling" a live performance. It also makes exploring musical instruments more accessible to our DHH students. It was a reminder that when we mix technology with creativity, we can help every student in FCPS feel like they belong and imagine new ways to help them reach their fullest potential. Go Cougars!!

On Friday morning, I stopped by Annandale High School for their annual Special Olympics Feet Meet, an inclusive unified track and field event that brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete side by side. In just one year, the event has grown from five participating schools to 11, with participation increasing from approximately 250 students to over 600. Incredible! This growth reflects the expanding impact of inclusive practices across the division, with elementary, middle, and high schools all represented. Students participated in events such as 25-meter races, standing long jump, and throwing, along with a variety of “Olympic Town” activities designed to engage all ability levels. 

As our Special Olympics programming continues to grow across the division, events like this highlight how creating inclusive opportunities strengthens not only individual students, but our entire FCPS community. Learning happens best in community!!

Later on Friday, I had the pleasure of joining the Cherry Run Elementary School community for its International Day and Celebration. I was inspired by the pride students took in sharing their cultures through food, music, clothing, and traditions, and the staff and families who helped make it possible. According to Neelam Noorani, the International Day Committee Chair, “Cherry Run Elementary School’s 3rd Annual International Night was a vibrant and memorable celebration of the rich diversity within its community. With 20 countries represented, families and students proudly showcased their heritage through beautifully decorated tables, traditional attire, and an incredible variety of food. The evening created a welcoming space filled with pride, learning, and a deep appreciation for cultures from around the world.

A highlight of the event was a special performance by the DC Hula Girls, whose energy and talent added an exciting layer of cultural richness to the evening. Alongside the school’s talented student performers, their performance helped make the night both entertaining and educational for everyone in attendance.” Go Cardinals!!

My last stop on Friday was to see a performance of The Play That Goes Wrong at Centreville High School. This production was incredible and reminded me that often it is interesting to enjoy all the possible things that can go wrong ;>) Go Wildcats!!

I began my Saturday morning at the Lancer 5K Run/Walk and Fun Loop at Lewis High School. It was exciting to share a beautiful Saturday morning with the community as we support one another, together all things are possible. The athletic boosters continue to inspire me with their efforts. Go Lancers!!

I then went to the FCPS’ Special Education Conference at Marshall High School. This conference and its variations have been a cornerstone of our community for more than 10 years. This year’s theme is “Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools.” This highlights the importance of strong home, school, and community partnerships. 

Educators and specialists from across the division shared best practices to better support students with diverse learning needs. Conference keynote speaker Dr. Shelley Moore shared how inclusion has evolved as we better understand diversity and identity. The strategies and resources highlighted at the conference will directly benefit families by strengthening communication, expanding supports, and ensuring parents have clearer pathways to access services for their children. This continues to move us forward in creating a more inclusive, responsive system that partners closely with parents to help every student succeed. This work matters!!

Next, I went to the Military Connected Youth Field Day at Annandale High School, which is part of our celebration of Month of the Military Child. Military families from across the division were able to connect with each other and enjoy field day games and crafts. Learning happens best in community, and we continue to be blessed by our amazing community in so many ways.  

I then attended a Pickle Ball tournament sponsored by Educate Fairfax , our 501(c)(3) non-profit partner. This was the inaugural Dink & Donate for Education pickleball tournament, an event led by Board of Directors member Jane Petty, bringing together FCPS staff, students, families, alumni and community members and partners in support of students and educators across Fairfax County Public Schools.

The event highlighted the power of community partnership, with generous support from sponsors including Burke & Herbert Bank, Down the Line Sports Center, Brandito, CSI (a Division of Ducci), Guernsey, Design Pro Remodeling, Fairfax Ace Hardware, and Merrifield Garden Center. Proceeds support Educate Fairfax’s core priorities, removing barriers for FCPS students, investing in educator innovation, and strengthening community engagement—ensuring more students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. While I did play, I also learned a great deal about this interesting relatively new sport ;>). 

Next, I made the trip to Lake Braddock Secondary School for the Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival , which is one of the longest running annual FCPS programs. More than 700 sixth-grade students, representing approximately 100 elementary schools, are selected through a competitive audition process at their home schools. Those chosen dedicate months to additional rehearsals, working closely with their general music teachers to refine their vocal skills and prepare for this culminating performance. Watch for details on when the festival will be broadcast on our cable TV channel Red Apple 21. 

I ended my day at the Mount Vernon High School Orchestra Music Marathon, the school’s culminating event of its month-long fundraiser. I was honored to be able to get on the podium and conduct the students in my chosen piece, a selection from the Harry Potter theme. It was quite the note-worthy performance! ;>) I’d like to recognize Alberto Rodriguez, Mount Vernon’s orchestra director, who was recently named one of the top music educators in the prestigious Yamaha “40 Under 40” class of 2026. Congratulations Alberto! 

Events like the Music Marathon and the All-County Choral Festival are just a few of the exemplary performing arts programs we have across FCPS which bring our communities together and help strengthen school engagement. Student participation in extracurricular, co-curricular, or leadership activities are part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

I look forward to seeing you in the coming days as we continue our April month and support each student in their journey over the last several months of the school year. The time for transitions is soon at hand. We have prepared well over the last several years and will benefit from the thoughtful and detailed planning. In many ways, spring is a season that reminds us how wonderful change can be. Together, all things are possible ....

Finally, as one of my favorite humanitarians often shared; "Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason." – Albert Schweitzer  

Take good care,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent