Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear Braddock Families,

Tomorrow marks two months of serving as your representative on the School Board. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with dozens of community members and educators, conduct a number of school visits, and take meaningful action on the board—including helping establish an Educational Technology Review Committee.

At our last regular meeting, I was honored to support proclamations for Educator appreciation week, School Nurses appreciation week, National Police week, and honoring recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. The Board also reviewed the 2027 Budget, discussed equitable access to literacy in secondary schools, the positive school climate goal, and reviewed policies in regard to facilities and transportation.

I've also had the pleasure of joining several PTA/PTO meetings recently, and want to thank everyone who has stepped up to serve in this capacity. As a former PTA President, I know that our PTAs and their leaders help keep our communities centered around the most important community members: our kids. Stay tuned in the coming weeks, as I’ll be hosting meetings and sending out some communications to help connect you all.

As always, I welcome any and all inputs from you as I continue to do my best to serve our wonderful community. You can reach me at [email protected] .

I hope you all have a fun, safe, and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Yours in service,

Tom Dannan

Braddock District Representative

May 7th School Board Meeting Recap

• Proclamation: Educator Appreciation week
• Proclamation: School Nurses Appreciation week
• National Police Week 2026
• Honoring Recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award Proclamation
• Calendar Motions
• Facilities and Transportation (EL-11) Monitoring Report
• FY 2027 Approved Budget
• Academic Matters
• Strategic Plan Update

FY 2027 Budget Update

On May 5, the Board of Supervisors formally adopted its FY 2027 budget. The County budget includes a school operating transfer that is about $99 million higher than the FY 2026 school operating transfer, including $4 million to fund the Middle School Afterschool program and Values in Prevention programs that were previously funded as part of the County budget. The County budget also provided an additional $11.4 million in debt service and $7.5 million for the school construction fund. 

Because the County transfer does not fully fund the amount requested by FCPS in the FY 2027 Advertised Budget and because the Commonwealth of Virginia has not yet finalized its budget, FCPS must adjust the FY 2027 Advertised Budget to reflect the funded amount.  

Superintendent Reid shared an update here , and you can view Superintendent Reid’s budget presentation here . Here are a few highlights:

• About 89% of the budget is for employee compensation, and over 92% of FCPS employees are school-based 
• Continued funding of Special Education Chairs and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers
• Extending the FCPSOn Technology Device refresh schedule

I commend my colleagues on the Board, and Dr. Reid’s team, for their collaborative work this past year to address these challenges. 

The School Board held a public hearing on the budget on May 12 and a Budget Work Session on May 14 and will adopt the final budget on May 21. You can view School Board meeting agendas on BoardDocs and view recordings of School Board meetings on the School Board YouTube Channel . 

Tackling Educational Technology Education Technology Review Committee

One of my top priorities has been to take a hard look at the use of Educational Technology (“EdTech”) in our classrooms to ensure that screentime is meaningful and purposeful.

To that end, I’m grateful to my colleague from the Providence District, Karl Frisch, who worked with me to introduce a Forum Topic to create an Educational Technology Review Committee (ETRC)—which was approved unanimously by my colleagues on May 5th. 

The ETRC will serve as an advisory body to division leadership, providing recommendations on the responsible, effective, and equitable use of educational technology, including artificial intelligence use in the FCPS classrooms.

Membership will include parents/caregivers, students, teachers, and school-based administrators, and will be representative of elementary, middle, and high school levels. The committee will meet on a regular basis during the school year. You can find additional details about the committee on BoardDocs.

We are looking for FCPS parent/caregiver representatives, including those with perspectives on accessibility, disability support, and multilingual learner needs. All FCPS parents/caregivers are welcome to express interest, regardless of your level of technology expertise. What matters most is your commitment to students and your willingness to engage thoughtfully on issues that affect their daily learning experiences.

If you are interested in serving on the ETRC, please complete this Google Form  by Monday, June 1, 2026.

Student Journalists Meet with FCPS Superintendent to Discuss AI in Education 

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid and Chief Information Technology Officer Gautam Sethi met with student journalists from each of our high schools this week for a discussion about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K12 education.

The hour-long question-and-answer session at the Gatehouse Administration Center was the second in an ongoing series of student journalist roundtables with division leadership.

The 27 students’ thoughtful questions covered a multitude of topics, from the environmental impact of data centers to social-emotional concerns to how to prevent AI from being used to cheat on exams and in assignments.

Each high school was represented by a student journalist who asked questions on the subject of AI. 

Add Family AI Learning to the FCPS Mobile App

The FCPS mobile app not only includes news from FCPS and your student's school, the app includes cafeteria menus, dates for school events and holidays, and serves as a launchpad for Schoology, Here Comes the Bus, ParentVUE/StudentVUE, and MySchool Bucks. And, now you can add Family AI Learning as one of your schools to receive updates about AI and read short, actionable tips and educational resources to build a foundational understanding of AI. Learn more about the FCPS Mobile App here .

Thank You, Teachers and Staff, for Tailoring Support to Every Student

National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week was May 4 through 8.This week is dedicated to recognizing the remarkable contributions of our educators and staff members who go above and beyond every day to support, challenge, and inspire students. 

In honor of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, this video serves as a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated professionals of Fairfax County Public Schools who uphold the "power and promise" of public education every day. From the classroom and the cafeteria to our school buses and administrative offices, every team member plays a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative environment where students can thrive. Thank you for being the heart of our community and for your unwavering support of each and every student

Empowering Students In and Out of the Classroom

Paul Arena, an intellectual disabilities teacher at Robinson Secondary School, is also a proud alumnus, a dedicated coach, and an active member of the school’s community. He is committed to creating and promoting opportunities that empower students in and out of the classroom. As a strong advocate for fostering meaningful connections, Paul plays a vital role in the partnership class and the Partner’s Club, helping build connections between students with special needs and their peers in general education. 

Paul was selected as an Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist last year. In his nomination packet, Paul is described as being “student first.” 

“He meets every student where they are academically, socially, and functionally,” his colleague said. “He celebrates their victories and empowers them to want to learn. Students love learning with Mr. Arena. 

“Paul’s work has shifted perspectives, ensuring that every student is seen, valued, and included. Watching him engage with his students is truly inspiring; he combines a mastery of teaching with a deep, genuine care for their well-being and growth.”

Braddock District SEPTA Award Winners

I was grateful to get to attend the recent SEPTA Awards Ceremony, and want to extend my congratulations to all nominees and award winners, especially those who serve in the Braddock District:

• Outstanding Secondary Administrator: Joe Lee (Annandale HS)
• Outstanding Elementary General Educator: Beth Beal (Laurel Ridge ES)
• Outstanding Related Services Provider: Megan Pitts (Woodson HS)
• Preschool Educator of the Year: Liz Busch (Cardinal Forest ES)

Building Blocks for the Future: How Early Math Skills Prepare FCPS Students for Algebra 1 and Beyond 

In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), building strong academic skills starts early — long before middle school. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students practice problem-solving and early algebra every day. Because of this, more students are ready to take Algebra 1 by eighth grade.

At our April 23 meeting, I asked Dr. Reid and FCPS leadership several questions about why this push for Algebra 1 is important, and what they are doing to make sure that kids are fully prepared to succeed. 

Boundary Meeting for Rolling Valley, Keene Mill, Cardinal Forest, and White Oaks Communities

 At the end of the recent comprehensive boundary review, the Superintendent identified sites for additional community engagement and input, with recommendations to be provided to the School Board by January 2027.

One of these, Study #5, covers the middle and high schools that Rolling Valley Elementary students will attend, or "feed", into from Student Planning Area (SPA) 8922, and the Keene Mill Elementary School attendance island and surrounding schools, including Cardinal Forest and White Oaks Elementary Schools.

To help inform this planning,please join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at  West Springfield High School . Register to attend by clicking  in person  or  virtual , based on your preference. During this meeting, we will provide a recap of past boundary conversations and discuss next steps in the process. We will also review boundary maps that were previously proposed as a starting point and gather your feedback. Visit this webpage to learn more. 

May Calendar

• Memorial Day Holiday:All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day . See the complete school year calendar .
• Teacher Work Day: Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar .
• Eid al-Adha Holiday: begins at sundown on Thursday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha and schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar .

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website. 

Mental Health Services

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School StudentsVirtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing [email protected] . 

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health . During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Family Information Phone Lines

Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines .

Summer Extravaganza  

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas.Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School . 

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage .

Attendance

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong . From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at your school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources . 

FCPS In the Media

• Poplar Tree Elementary School student tech squad ( Fox 5 )
• Lambs Take Over Groundskeeping at Rolling Valley ES for Earth Week Culmination ( FFX Now )
• Woodson Students Advocate for Democracy in Mock Congress ( WUSA-9 )
• How are Fairfax Co. teachers using extra time on elementary early release days? ( WTOP )
• FCPS Mom Turned Special Educator Advocates for Autism Acceptance ( WJLA/ABC 7 ) ext.

FCPS Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education for 2026 by NAMM 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education .

Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes districts that show exceptional dedication to providing access to music education to all students. Districts are evaluated on factors such as funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, and community support. FCPS has received this designation 13 times and is among 1,008 school districts acknowledged in 2026.

FCPS Earns National Recognition for Financial Transparency from Government Finance Officers Association 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the U.S. and Canada. FCPS was recognized for its financial reporting work for the fiscal year ending in June 2025.

This award, the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, is given to organizations that demonstrate a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate their financial stories. This recognition reflects FCPS’ commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and transparent communication with the community.

Two Braddock Alumni are Heading to the NFL Lake Braddock alum picked in NFL draft by Baltimore Ravens

Michigan TE Matthew Hibner, a 2020 graduate from Lake Braddock Secondary, was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

Read more about Matthews journey to the NFL here.

From 5-star recruit to NFL draft, Fairfax native Tristan Leigh prepares to go pro

Clemson OL Tristan Leigh, a 2021 graduate from Robinson Secondary ,signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Read more about Leigh's journey to the NFL here.

From the Braddock Supervisor's Office

Hello Braddock Families,

I want to invite everyone to a special event hosted by my office - one of my favorite community traditions: Braddock Bark!🐾

Bring the kids, and your well‑loved, leashed pups to join us for an afternoon full of free, family‑ and pet‑friendly fun. Kids can enjoy special activities, great food options, and an ice cream truck, while our four‑legged friends splash in the doggy water zone, try our popular dog‑luring course. You can also enjoy giveaways, and visit with local pet nonprofits, businesses, and adorable, adoptable pups of all ages.

It’s a perfect day out for the whole family, two‑ and four‑legged members alike!

Saturday, May 30, 1:00–4:00 p.m. McLaren Sargent Pavilion, Lake Accotink Park, Springfield, VA

I’d love to see you there and meet your kids and your furry companions! Let your neighbors know, and feel free to download and share the event flyer.

For more information about what’s going on in the County and in Braddock, sign-up for the Braddock Beacon , my weekly newsletter. If you have specific concerns or suggestions, my staff and I are here to answer your questions, email us at [email protected] .

In Service,

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Web | Email Tom | Phone: 571-423-1088

Email the Braddock District Team | Phone: 571-423-1076

Dear Neighbors,

We are quickly approaching the final stretch of the school year and there is still so much happening around our Braddock community! It has been just over a month since my swearing in and I have loved having the opportunity to be completely immersed in all things Braddock and FCPS.

Earlier this month, I got to visit the Strings program and White Oaks Elementary with fellow School Board member and Chair Sandy Anderson from the Springfield District. I was so impressed by award-winning Mr. Johnson-Stawarz and his 4th grade cello class, who showcased how much they have progressed throughout the school year. The kids also taught us the basics of playing the cello; I guess you’re never too old to learn a new instrument!

I also got to stop by and meet one of the new White Oaks Watch D OGS —this is a phenomenal program to help support schools by providing positive male role models for students, and by demonstrating the importance of education by their presence. I commend the White Oaks PTA for working to launch it there. If you’re a dad (or father-figure), consider volunteering with the Watch DOGS program to experience the positive impact it has on students in the community. 

Later on in the month, I was excited to visit several Elementary classrooms to observe our new Language Arts curriculum (Benchmark) in action and talk with educators about ways we can continue to support this transition. Benchmark focuses on the key skills that make up good reading, such as phonics and vocabulary, and is taught through various methods to ensure curriculum is effective, appropriate, and aligns with  Virginia's English Standards of Learning and the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) . You can learn more about the Benchmark curriculum in Fairfax here . 

I also had the honor of attending the Student Leadership Development Mock Forum .Our student leaders displayed their dedication and commitment to crafting thoughtful, detailed, and informed proposals to address key issues within FCPS. I genuinely felt some form of imposter syndrome, hearing our talented FCPS kids share their ideas and passion. Kudos to Mr. Ryan Hembree, the Braddock District representative, who spoke energetically about his concept of a Student Vote Pilot program.

Hoping for beautiful weather this weekend!

Yours in service,

Tom Dannan

School Board Meeting Updates

At our last regular meeting on Thursday, April 23rd I was glad to vote in favor of a resolution supporting delayed, developmentally appropriate smartphone use as a community norm and encouraging families to delay providing their children with smartphones for non-essential use until the completion of 8th grade.

Building off of this, I’m excited to share that we have now submitted a School Board forum topic to establish an Educational Technology Review Committee (ETRC),modeled on the school division’s Instructional Resource Review Committees, which evaluate, select, and recommend (basal) teaching materials. The board will discuss this at our work session on Tuesday, May 5. I welcome any and all feedback on this effort.

Additionally, the Board accepted a Strategic Plan update focused on expanding equitable access to advanced coursework and strengthening college and career readiness. We also engaged in a lengthy discussion following a presentation on significant growth in eighth-grade Algebra 1 enrollment and continued progress in expanding access to advanced math pathways.

You can view the most recent School Board meeting here to learn more about these actions. You are also welcome to attend School Board meetings ( schedule ) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation ( sign-up ). 

Stay Informed About the FY 2027 Budget 💸

The FY 2027 budget process is moving forward, with several important opportunities for decisions and community input:

May 5:Board of Supervisors adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS

May 7:Approved budget presented to the School Board

May 12, with May 13 if needed: School Board public hearing on the budget

May 14:School Board budget work session

May 21:School Board adopts the approved budget

July 1:FY 2027 begins

 These milestones will help shape the final budget. I encourage our community to stay engaged, attend upcoming meetings, share feedback during public hearings, and reach out to School Board members and County Supervisors. Community input is an important part of this process, and your voice helps advocate for the resources our students, educators, and schools need. To learn more about the budget, visit this webpage .

Braddock in Action

On Saturday, April 18th, I had the pleasure of attending the FCPS Special Education Family Conference at Marshall High School. Keynote speaker Dr. Shelley Moore gave a powerful presentation about how to approach inclusion in our Special Education classrooms and the world around us. 

The energy was high as a number of FCPS staff and students received First-Class awards are presented each year to recognize and celebrate the efforts of educators, administrators, support staff, and students who demonstrate excellence in all facets of education related to disability. We have the honor of having one of these amazing winners as part of our Braddock community.

Congratulations to First Class Award Recipient for Elementary Support Staff: Aura Ortiz, Custodian from Bonnie Brae Elementary. Thank you for all that you do for our kids!

🌳2026 Best of Green Schools K-12 Educator Award by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC)

Laure Grove is the lead environmental stewardship educator at Terra Centre Elementary where innovative design and strong partnerships support hands-on environmental education. Under her leadership, Terra Centre Elementary earned consecutive Eco-Schools U.S. Green Flag Awards and launched a student-led monarch project that influenced Fairfax County to adopt the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and implement countywide pollinator and sustainability initiatives.

Through audits, advocacy, and community partnerships, Ms. Grove empowers students to build sustainability knowledge, leadership skills, and meaningful community impact. We are so lucky to have Ms. Grove in our Braddock community!

National Board Certified Teachers 🍎
FCPS ranks in the top 30 school districts nationwide for the number of National Board-certified teachers, with more than 200 active National Board-certified teachers currently supporting students and schools. In FCPS, many of our National Board Certified Teachers have moved into leadership roles throughout the division. 

FCPS congratulates the following newly certified National Board teachers:

• Stacy Pekarik, Wakefield Forest Elementary School

The following board-certified teachers have renewed their board certification for an additional term:

• Krista Gallagher, Cardinal Forest Elementary School
• Kathleen Gannon, Lake Braddock Secondary School

IB Diploma Recipients

Nearly 400 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and 76 students earned the IB Career-related Certificate in 2025.

The IB Diploma Program (IB DP) is a two-year program for juniors and seniors consisting of six subject group courses and DP core components. IB Diploma students complete internal and external assessments, exams, a Theory of Knowledge course, a creativity activity service project, and a 4,000-word extended essay. There are 69 FCPS IB Diploma recipients from the Braddock District!

Robinson Secondary Braddock District IB Diploma Recipients 🎓

Abigail Meehan Grace Nguyen Marion La Serte Amirah Racine Haeun Lee Mark Lacoletti Anghelina Gaur Helena Rossi Matipa Maimbo Anna Fabrycky Henry Bianchetti  Miles Lasmanis Annie Eason Henry Counts Nicole Barsotti Ayla Martinez Hudson Mallett Noah Matthias Benjamin Dunn Jakob Patrick Noah Nguyen Benjamin Sklarew James Wyllie Nora Prather Cecilia Younger Jasmine Patrick Panagiotis Mentis Celina Liu Jasmine Sklarew Peter Sheridan Charlotte Dowdy Jocelyn Ruano-Sanchez Robel Anteneh Charlotte Elliff Joseph Watkins Ruku Day Chase Lindenberg Julia Noud Samuel Heatherington Collin Wyman Julio Vilegas Santhony Chan Dominic Thieman Kate Nagler Sarah Papadopoulos Duykhang Nguyen Katherine Harris Shawn Hubbard Elanor Hamo Kirsten Ngo Sofia Garcia Eloise Ricour Kyle Chen Soma Fulwiler Emma Tukhi Lando Rebeyro Sophia Meer Fiona Mebrahtu Lia Kang Tatiana Gallo Suarez Gabriela Brungardt Lucas Newcomb Tatum Apollo Garrison Cade Lucy Hicks Victoria Khvan Gerard Llames Mariam Gabriel Zaya Economides

Nine FCPS Students Named Winners of 2026 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students have been awarded 2026 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of those nine students, two of them are from the Braddock District. The students are part of a group of more than 700 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.

Braddock District Scholarship Recipients

• Sarah Roelke of Lake Braddock Secondary School(public health), National Merit Dr. James R. Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship.
• Aidan Wright of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology(TJHSST) (chemical engineering), National Merit Dr. James R. Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship. 

244 FCPS Students Named 2026 National Merit Finalists

Two hundred forty-four students from 18 Fairfax County Public Schools are among the finalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2026. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern Virginia, has 105 finalists.

Fairfax County Public Schools Braddock District 2026 National Merit finalists :

• Lake Braddock Secondary School:, Manas Puri,  Ronald Zhang
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Grace Amartuvshin, Moira Clark, Eric Guo, Ibrahim Harchich, Kashi Kamat, Petr Kisselev, Nikita Lugovoy, Payton Morris, Elijah O’Donoghue, Ethan O’Hara, Hannah Ryu, Julia Showers, Rachel Truong, Aidan Wright, Max Zhao
• West Springfield High School: Timothy Campbell, Kennedy Leary
• Woodson High School: Kavya Balachandar, Aiden Brennan, Ethan Lee, Alexander Liu, James Ngo, Ada Qin, James Stansbery, Noah Yen-Goossens

Robinson Senior Abby Huisman Named Military Child of  the Year Finalist

Robinson Secondary School student Abby Huisman knows how hard it is to start at a new school. Growing up, she moved seven times with her family as they followed her father’s 28-year career in the Air Force. Now, as a senior at Robinson, Abby makes it her mission to help students going through the same experience. She serves as vice president of Rambassadors, a 200-member organization that plays a key role in welcoming new students — many of whom are military-connected — to Robinson. She’s one of many Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students helping provide a space where military-connected students feel safe and welcome.

Two FCPS Students Receive Grand Prize Award at 2026 Virginia State Science Fair

The Virginia Science and Engineering Fair was held on April 11 at the Bolick Center on the campus of Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. Fifty-seven students from FCPS participated in the state level fair. Two FCPS student projects received the Grand Prize and one of them is from our Braddock District.

Grand Prize Winner from the Braddock District
Huge congratulations to Daniil Prokofev from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology for the project, “From SMILES to Synergy: Overcoming Drug Resistance in ER+ Breast Cancer.”

VHSL Class 6 Debate State Championship

Class 6 Lincoln Douglas : Second place Natalia Voloshin from Robinson Secondary School

CLASS 6 TEAM : (TIE) Sixth place Robinson Secondary School 

2025-26 VHSL State Speech Meet Results

Impromptu : Second Place Paola Mascola from Robinson Secondary School

FCPS Students Chosen for 2026 All-Virginia High School Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Middle School Chorus Group Braddock District All Virginia High School Band 🥁

Lake Braddock Secondary School:Zaid Nory, Lukas Steinhelper

Robinson Secondary School:Caroline Cotovsky, Austin Cotton, Maddy Fontenot, Joshua Nebiyu, Jack Patterson, Henry Sorenson, Saif Syed

Thomas Jefferson High School:Madison Carney

Woodson High School: Ian Gonzalez, Justin Hoang, Natalie Jiang, James Kahler, Logan Lee, Andrew Liang, Maya Pendleton, Nathan Vailikit

Braddock District All Virginia High School Chorus🎶

Annandale High School: Tyler Miller

Lake Braddock Secondary School:Bee Giska

Robinson Secondary School: Miles Ball

West Springfield High School: Kiana Kamran, Joshua Martin, Elizabeth Maxted, Griffin Wagner

Woodson High School:Mary Kate Jones, Lisa Kurian, Faith Lee, Audrey Shifflett

Braddock District All Virginia High School Orchestra 🎻

Lake Braddock Secondary School:Edwin Chung, Eugene Chung, Kara Kweon

Robinson Secondary School:Daniel Foote, Michael Sweet, Max Vu 

Thomas Jefferson High School:Moses Guo, Max Zhao

Woodson High School: Audrey Kan, Nicholas Kim, James Ngo

Braddock District All Virginia Middle School Choir🎶

Frost Middle School: Alia Kronmiller, Emily Fay, Shivani Kolelveetil, Sarah Lee, Supriti Sahgal

Holmes Middle School: Ava Viktoria Raisinger

Braddock District 2026 VHSL Class 6 All State Boys Wrestling Team 🏅

• West Springfield High School:Adam Husseini (120)
• Robinson Secondary School:Troy Kang (126)
• Lake Braddock Secondary School:Josiah Bolme (285)
  

FCPS' Middle School Battle of the Books

On Wednesday, April 15th, 16 Middle Schools competed in FCPS' Battle of the Books; a book trivia competition where students work in teams to read through a list of 15 titles throughout the school year, and compete to see which school knows the books best. This year the team from Lake Braddock Secondary School took home the win in a final tiebreaker against the reigning champions at South County Secondary. Way to go Bruins!

What’s Brewing in Braddock? 
🏀 Lake Braddock Bruins Summer Boys Basketball Camp
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Boys Basketball Team is holding a boys basketball camp Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10, 2026, for rising 7th-12th-grade students. The camp will be held at the Lake Braddock gym from 9 a.m. to noon for $100. Register and find more information online . Questions? Contact Coach Brian Metress at [email protected] . 🚴 Bike & Roll to School Day on May 6!
Love riding your bike? Celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day and join students, families, and teachers across the country in biking to school together! This national event promotes healthy habits, encourages walking and biking, and helps reduce car traffic. While it’s a one-day event, Bike to School Day inspires long-term change by showing communities the benefits of bike-friendly, active school commutes. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 6! 🏆 Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved. Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Full details and the nomination information form can be found on the Dr . Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website . Free Workshops and Events from the Family Resource Center and Family Academy
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC). Sign up for the FRC newsletter to receive their latest offerings, or visit their webinar web page. The Family Academy  is a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families. The Family Academy offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families in our learning catalog. Sign up for the Family and School Partnerships newsletter or visit the Family Academy catalog for classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. May and June offerings include:

• May 15, 10-11:30 a.m. - Twice-Exceptional Series Part 3: Beyond High School: Preparing for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills
• May 26, 9 a.m. to noon - in person at the Reston Community Center , Sibshops and SibTeens
• May 29, 10-11:30 a.m. - Caring Without Neglecting Yourself: Emotional Support for Families with Children with Special Needs - En español
• June 22 and 23, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - in person at Fairfax Villa Elementary School , Sibshops/SibTeen Summer Camp

FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available to students in FCPS.

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.,and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options . Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and participation in career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email [email protected] for more information or call 703-204-4300.

🎭 Braddock District Theatre
There are a lot of upcoming theatre performances around our District. Buy your tickets through the links listed and come support all of our amazing, hard working, young thespians!

• Sweeney Todd @ Woodson High School: May 1st & 2nd, May 8th & 9th
• Mama Mia @ West Springfield High School : April 30th- May 2nd, May 7th-9th
• Legally Blonde The Musical @ Robinson Secondary School : May 1st & 2nd
• Cabaret @ Lake Braddock Secondary School : April 30th-May 2nd

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear Braddock Neighbors,

Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope you and your families had an enjoyable week full of rest and relaxation, whether you journeyed to a beach far away or had a nice staycation at home. I enjoyed the time off and was impressed by the Artemis II launch ! It was yet another reminder of what great achievements we can make when we work together, as well as the importance of a strong public education. All of those astronauts, physicists, rocket scientists, data scientists and many others involved in the launch were once elementary, middle and high school students studying math and science. 

I hope you have all had a successful first week back at school. It was been a busy week on the school board, where we hosted a Forum Discussion and Work Session on Tuesday and a Regular Meeting on Thursday ! You can read more about what we discussed there below, including changes to the calendar for next year.

I enjoyed getting to welcome Irving Middle School’s new principal, welcoming families of rising kindergarteners at Terra Centre, and hanging at their Fun Fair with Dr. Reid!

Thank you all for putting your trust in me. I look forward to meeting you at our schools or in the community and advocating for the best for our students together. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at [email protected]

Yours in Service,

Tom Dannan

• School Board Meetings
• Braddock Bravos
• Upcoming Events
• News from FCPS
• FCPS in the News

School Board Meetings Tuesday, April 7 Work Session

At the April 7 School Board Work Session ( agenda and video available online) I joined my colleagues to discuss Goal 4 - Equitable Access and Opportunity   - with academic preparedness for FCPS students for postsecondary success. After that we discussed the Middle School Advanced Academic Programs Center Expansion Plan ( documents for that are also available online ). 

Thursday, April 9 Regular Meeting

This past Thursday, we had a Regular Meeting; the full agenda is available online along with a video recording . First, we passed the following proclamations and resolution:

• Arab American Heritage Month Proclamation 
• School Librarian Appreciation Month Proclamation
• The Month of the Military Child Proclamation
• Annual Recognition of National Board Certified Teachers

We then heard from community members and our Student Representative. I sincerely appreciate their perspective, having spoken in front of the school board myself, and I’m grateful that our Student Representative speaks first—helping center us and set the tone for our meeting.  

Next, we discussed the school year calendar. My general view of the calendar is that it is a complex puzzle, with no perfect solution, and we need to take a comprehensive look at it going forward. Having spoken with a number of constituents and teachers, I’m against making dramatic changes this year, without looking broadly.

I also recognize that this current year was unique—we’ve had a number of religious holidays falling in the middle of the week and severe weathers days, along with required teacher planning and development days, which are critical to improving the learning environment for our kids. All this has meant families were more pressed to find child care when school was off than they were used to.

Given all this, I supported capping the number of Early Release days at the Elementary level, and I’m grateful for my colleague Mr. Moon for seconding my compromise amendment of 8 early release days per year for elementary schools. In that same vein, I voted against changing Indigenous People’s Day to an instructional day this year, and abstained on doing so for Veterans’ Day, though I’m open to changes as part of a broader discussion that is informed by data and community conversation.

After discussing the school year calendar, we moved on to the Consent Agenda which included Asset Management discussion. Other items on the Concent Agenda included factual errors and typo corrections in the Governance Manual; Policy 8320 - Site and Building Acquisition; Policy 8275 - Value Engineering; Policy 8560 - Maintenance of Public School Facility Assets; HR Policies 4425, 4520, and 4950 ; and Policy 5210 - Petty Cash Funds. 

On our New Business agenda we heard presentations on the Strategic Plan Update - highlighting great work in excellence, equity and opportunity for multilingual learners as well as and update on Goal 4, IDEA Annual Plan , and awards for new contracts. 

Braddock Bravos National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to the 241 students across Fairfax county who were named 2026 National Merit Award Finalists!   Among them were the following 21 Braddock District students from Lake Braddock Secondary School, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and Woodson High School.

• Lake Braddock Secondary School - Manas Puri and Ronald Zhang
• TJHSST - Grace Amartuvshin, Moira Clark, Eric Guo, Ibrahim Harchich, Kashi Kamat, Petr Kisselev, NIkita Lugovoy, Payton Morris, Elijah O'Donohue, Ethan O'Hara, Hannah Ryu, Julia Showers, Rachel Truong, Aidan Wright, and Max Zhao 
• Woodson HS - Kavya Balachandar, Ethan Lee, James Ngo, and James Stansbery

Region 4 Award - Megan Haile at White Oaks Elementary School

I want to share my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Haile at White Oaks Elementary School for being named the Region 4 Outstanding New Elementary Teacher! Ms. Haile is very well loved and appreciated by all of her students and the excitement from her students for her winning the award was obvious to anyone within earshot of the library when she was given the award. As one student said, "Ms. Haile is actually the reason I actually like going to school." As a member of a military family and having joined the White Oaks ES team in the last few years, Ms. Haile has had an incredible impact already. Thank you so much for your dedication to our students and congratulations again!

Region 5 Award - Joaquin Perez at Fairfax High School

I also want to share my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Joaquin Perez at Fairfax High School for being named the Region 5 Outstanding New Secondary Teacher! Mr. Perez's students were so excited for him and so appreciative that they made 'Joaquinis' for the party celebrating him.   

Upcoming Events Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on: 

• Thursday, April 16 , at Ravensworth Elementary School (new date)
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details. 

News from FCPS Irving Middle School's New Principal - Ms. CIncinnati!

The Region 4 Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Emily Cincinnati has been named the new principal of Irving Middle School. I was excited to join them and Irving MS on Wednesday, April 8 to celebrate Ms. Cincinatti's promotion to this important role. I know the Braddock district will be much better off with her joining us!

With over a decade of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools, Ms. Cincinnati brings a distinguished record of instructional leadership and community-centered practice to Irving Middle School. During her recent tenure as assistant principal at John R. Lewis High School, she successfully drove academic achievement and built a culture of inclusivity and support.

At Lewis High School, Ms. Cincinnati’s leadership has produced measurable results, including a 20% increase in science SOL performance across all student groups over two years, a 49% reduction in out-of-school suspensions, and a 5% reduction in chronic absenteeism. She also led the revitalization of the International Baccalaureate Programme, expanding both access and opportunities for all learners.

Ms. Cincinnati is known for building coherent systems that support students and staff. She has led the development of collaborative team structures, data-driven instructional practices, and professional learning that promotes high-quality instruction and the success of every learner. Her work includes innovative interventions for multilingual learners, large-scale student mentoring systems, and credit recovery efforts that have helped hundreds of students stay on track for on-time graduation.

Ms. Cincinnati began her career as a social studies teacher in Fairfax County at Lake Braddock Secondary School and South Lakes High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Arts in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She also completed the Accelerated Administration Certification through the University of Virginia.

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Cincinnati as the new principal of Irving Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.

Provide the County Government With Feedback on its Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. 

You can provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Thursday, April 16 , at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak . 

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget. 

Discover What’s New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

• New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
• Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
• Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
• Vegetarian options like the meatless Philly melt are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? View menus on Food and Nutrition Services’ webpage . 

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

School Library Month

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. 

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC . Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

April is the Month of the Military Child!

Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families . 

FCPS in the News

• Keene Mill Elementary School Helping Games ( Fox 5 ) 
• Hunters Woods sixth-graders leave their mark through artist-in-residence program ( The Reston Letter )

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Web | Email Tom | Phone: 571-423-1088

Email the Braddock District Team | Phone: 571-423-1076

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear Braddock Neighbors,

Last month, I was honored to take the oath of office as your new Braddock District representative on the Fairfax County School Board. It’s an honor to step into this role, and I do so energized and ready to hit the ground running in service of our schools and our kids.

If you haven’t gotten the chance to meet me yet, my name is Tom Dannan, and I’m the proud father of two young kids in FCPS. I’m also a former PTA president, a small business owner, and the proud son of a union educator. I have a deep commitment to ensuring FCPS continues to improve. Like so many families that move to Fairfax County, the schools were a major factor for my wife and I, and I stepped forward to run for school board because I want to ensure FCPS remains a top-rated system.

I’m grateful for the work of my predecessors, Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Megan McLaughlin, in advocating for our kids, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the school board for the benefit of our students, educators, and community.

A friend and local advocate texted me when I won, half joking, "Looking forward to giving you a hard time from the other side of the dais." I genuinely welcome that. In the words of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell: "In democratic government, elected officials do not have power. They hold power - in trust for the people who elected them."

Democracy is a beautiful thing, but it is difficult, and I know that we will have earnest debate and disagreements among the board and in the community. I also know that we will be doing so in good faith, centering our kids' best interests. 

It is fitting that I was elected on March 3rd, 19 years to the day when I left home to serve in the Peace Corps. Nineteen years later, I am once again embarking on a new journey of service, and I am committed to approaching it with the same spirit: with idealism and hope, and by listening to those on the ground doing the work.

Thank you all for putting your trust in me. I look forward to meeting you at our schools or in the community and advocating for the best for our students together. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at [email protected]

Below you will find information from our Thursday, March 19 and March 26 Regular Meetings, public hearings, events, and opportunities to address the School Board. 

Yours in Service,

Tom Dannan

In this issue

• School Board Meetings
• Braddock Bravos
• Upcoming Events
• News from FCPS
• FCPS in the News

School Board Meetings March 19 - Swearing in, Budget Review, Walk to Read, and more

On Thursday, March 19 I was honored to be sworn into office for the Braddock District as your new School Board Member. We were joined by family and friends, other members of the School Board, Superintendent Dr. Reid and the leadership team, as well as state Delegate Vivian Watts and Senator Saddam Salim.

After being sworn in, we immediately got to work to address many of the topics I have already heard about from Braddock families. The full agenda is available online along with a video recording of our Regular Meeting . First, we passed the following proclamations and resolution:

• Women's History Month Proclamation
• School Social Work Appreciation Week Proclamation
• Recognizing Social and Emotional Learning Proclamation
• Resolution Recognizing the 2025 Bond Citizens Committee & Affirming the Importance of a Triple-A Bond Rating

We then heard from community members and our Student Representative. I sincerely appreciate their perspective, having spoken in front of the school board myself, and I’m grateful that our Student Representative speaks first—helping center us and set the tone for our meeting.  

Next, we went over a presentation on Executive Limitation 13 - Safety and Security , where I asked the Superintendent about the how we can best support our school safety and security staff. I also inquired about feedback she’s heard from teachers and staff about our new ERB devices.  

We also got updates on FY 2026 Budget Review , Goal 2 - discussing "Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered" and how that ties into Middle School Performing Arts. Finally, in the Academic Matters presentation, we heard about Walk to Read pilot, and I inquired with Dr. Reid about what we need to support this program in the future.

Our Consent Agenda included additional School Board appointments - adding me to the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC), the Audit Committee, and as a Liaison to the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) and to the Successful Child and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT). At-large School Board member Kyle McDaniel, who I had the opportunity to work with when I was PTA president, was also added to the Budget Committee. We also discussed multiple contracts, including one for Stadium Turf Replacement at West Springfield High School which I believe many Braddock District students will benefit from. I am looking forward to working with my fellow CPDC, Audit, ACSD, and SCYPT members to keep improving FCPS for all students!

I am thankful for a warm welcome and productive first meeting with my new School Board colleagues and look forward to the robust dialogue we will have in future meetings. I am ready to ensure FCPS remains one of the best education systems in the country.

March 26 - North Springfield Elementary School AAP Center, Inclusion and more

Just one week later on March 26, I was happy to attend my second regular school board meeting. It certainly has been a quick pace, but that was due to Spring Break the following week. The full agenda is available online along with a video recording online .  First, we passed the following proclamations and recognitions:

• Music, Theatre, and the Arts Appreciation Month Proclamation
• Disability Affirmation Month Proclamation
• Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation
• Virginia High School League and Academic Team/Regional Sports Recognitions

We also discussed Goal 2 - Safe, Supported, Included and Empowered . I was happy to discuss inclusion with Dr. Reid and her leadership team, and making sure every student feels welcome and supported. After that I was honored to make my first motion as a member of the school board — to establish an AAP Center at North Springfield Elementary School , which I have heard from many constituents about. I’m grateful for the tremendous work done by FCPS staff, leadership, and my colleague from the Mason District, Dr. Ricardy Anderson to make this happen.

Braddock Bravos VHSL Class 6 All-State Football Team

Hearty congratulations to the four Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Football team! 

Go Lions! Go Spartans! Go Bruins! Go Rams! And all together, go Class 6! 

Offensive Lineman Davon TolsonJr. from Fairfax HS

Running Back Dillan Wickhamfrom West Springfield HS

Tight End Zach Hibnerfrom Lake Braddock Secondary School

Kicker Ethan Jacobsfrom Robinson Secondary School

VHSL Class 6 All-State Golf Team

Congratulations to two Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Golf Team! Go Rams! 

Raquel Walkerfrom Robinson Secondary School,  on par (72)

Armaan Ostermanfrom Robinson Secondary School, +2 (74)

VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Cross Country Team

Congratulations to four Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Cross Country Team! Go Rams and Go Cavaliers! 

Karina Bairdfrom Robinson Secondary School

Hadley Vanekfrom Woodson HS

Alexandra Birdfrom Robinson Secondary School

Keira Arenholzfrom Woodson HS

Senator Pekarsky's 2026 Youth Leadership Program

Congratulations to the students who were accepted into Senator Pekarsky's 2026 Youth Leadership Program! Through the program, high school seniors and juniors visit the General Assembly in Richmond for the legislative session and learn about political leadership on the state level. Students have been observing committee hearings and floor debates, participated in panelists with lobbyists, advocates and political leaders and met with lawmakers and their staffs. It has been a great opportunity for students interested in government, politics and law. You can view Senator Pekarsky's introduction of the students online. Congratulations to the following Braddock District students, all from Robinson Secondary School:

• Gabriella Perrin
• Shivani Ghattu
• Caelan Heron

Thank you to Senator (and former School Board Member) Stella Pekarsky and our school staff who supported these exceptional students in their pursuit of civic education. 

Inaugural ARTiFAX Winners

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has launched ARTiFAX, a new art recognition program created exclusively for FCPS teen artists in grades 7–12 enrolled in visual art programs. Designed to honor artistic excellence, creative growth, and student voice, ARTiFAX highlights the depth and diversity of visual arts education across the school division.

From the Braddock district, 40 students won ARTiFAX awards, listed below by school. 

From Annandale High School:

• Renna Charles,  Identity, Emerging Artist
• Ellanor Lee, Gyeongbokgung Palace , Artistry
• Mikayla Nguyen,  Lady Lachrymose , Best in School, Artistry

From Cedar Lane School:

• Elliot Smith,  Portrait of the Soul , Best in School, Emerging Artist

From Fairfax High School:

• Sabrina Velasco,  St. Sawyer Concept , Emerging Artist

From Frost Middle School:

• Calder Cronkhite,   Turtle Island, Emerging Artist
• Zachariah Kumbang,  Cartoon Bacon,  Creative Process
• Maylee Lim,  The Weight Of Being Young,  Creative Process
• Mila Patel , Sweet Dreams,  Artistry
• (Joseph) Kyle Reynolds,  MEGA Bean,  Thematic Concept
• (Joseph) Kyle Reynolds,  TRON Roller Coaster,  Creative Process
• Kathryn Wu,  Mystical Creature,  Creative Process
• Brittany Yee,  Old Clock,  Best in School, Artistry
• Seoyeon Yoon,  Lily Print,  Thematic Concept
• Shirley Zheng,  Jester's Tango,  Creative Process

From Katherine Johnson Middle School:

• Arina Pavlenko,  St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery , Best in School, Cultural Context
• Elizabeth Sheremetinskiy,  Text Portrait , Thematic Concept
• Elizabeth Sheremetinskiy,  The judge , Reflective Voice

From Lake Braddock Secondary School - HS:

• Lana Hines,  Draclo, Poseable Dragon Toy , Creative Process
• Alison McCarthy , Anxiety Paralysis , Artistry
• Olivia Moran, Solace,  Creative Process
• Olivia Moran,  Panoramic Protections , Cultural Context
• Skyler (Annabelle) Moran,  Arsty Arturo , Artistry
• Jasmine Virk,  Women: Past, Present and Future,  Cultural Context
• Connor Clayton,  Dumpster Diver,  Artistry

From Lake Braddock Secondary School - MS:

• Laila Glover,  My Mini Dream Room,  Artistry
• Celeste Massaro,  Cubism Portrait,  Thematic Concept, Emerging Artist
• Gabriela Vargas Gamon, Chill Room,  Artistry

From Robinson Secondary School - HS:

• Leo Lydon,  I Know How To Peel a Banana,  Reflective Voice
• Vincent (Dorothea) Sheridan-Kuchmek,  Andrew's Adventures in Amaze-O Land,  Thematic Concept
• Rachel Choi,  Under Pressure, Artistry 

From Robinson Secondary School - MS:

• Genevieve Taphorn,  Compass of the Mind , Best in School, Artistry

From Twain Middle School:

• Benjamin Romero Smith,  Little Skeleton , Best in School

From Woodson High School:

• Maddie Cho,  My Eyes , Portfolio
• Maddie Cho,  Like an Open Book,  Best in School
• Kara Lee,  Bigoted Outcast , Artistry
• Adria Nguyen,  SuperEgo , Artistry
• Kyrie Phan,  Aligned , Cultural Context
• Anna Ryder,  Floral Cafe,  Emerging Artist
• Caroline Tso,  Can You See Me? , Thematic Concept

FCPS High Schools Named to 2025 AP School Honor Roll

Hearty congratulations to the five high schools Braddock district students attend which were part of the 17 high schools across Fairfax County that were named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll . Those five schools were:

Silver Distinction - West Springfield High School

Gold Distinction - Fairfax High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School 

Platinum Distinction - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Woodson High School

Thank you to our outstanding principals - Dr. Patrick, Dr. Aye, Ms. Kearns, Mr. Mukai and Mr. Great - and all of the teachers and staff who helped foster supportive environments for our students to achieve this feat. 

Go Spartans! Go Lions! Go Bruins! Go Cavaliers! And Go Colonials! 

FCCPTA 2025-2026 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Awards

A hearty congratulations to the four outstanding Braddock students who have received gold level awards and will advance to the VA PTA competition for the arts. 

• Film Production:Primary - Intermediate - Kate Detrick, Terra Centre Elementary School PTA
• Literature:Primary - Lennon Wetzel, Wakefield ES PTA
• Music: High School - Chetana Srinivasan, TJHSST PTSA
• Photography: Intermediate – Baiden Vu, Canterbury Woods ES PTA

Upcoming Events Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on: 

• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Thursday, April 16 , at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival

Save the date! Friday and Saturday, April 17-18

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax General Music Educators Association (FGMEA) are pleased to announce the 2026 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival.

Over 700 6th Grade students from over 100 elementary schools participate in the All-County Choral Festival. Students are selected by audition at their elementary school. Once selected, they participate in many months of extra choral rehearsals with their general music teachers.

Students come together for two days of intensive rehearsals with a nationally acclaimed conductor who specializes in working with children’s choirs. The choral festival culminates with a spectacular concert by the students consisting of 10 challenging songs that feature student and staff instrumentalists.

April Sibshops and SibTeens

📅Date - Saturday, April 10, 2026

📍Location -Gum Springs Community Center       

   8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA

The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. Play games and have fun. 

Register here 

SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences.

Register here

Please contact [email protected] for follow up questions about either program. 

🎭Theater Productions around the Braddock District!

We are very fortunate to have some of the best high school theater departments in the state in the Braddock district. I invite you to save the date on your calendar and see any of the shows below (you can click on the links for shows with ticket purchases available already):

• A Midsummer Night's Dreamat Annandale HS
  • Thursday, April 23 at 7pm; Friday, April 24 at 7pm; and Saturday, April 25 at 2pm and 7pm
• Something Rotten! at Fairfax HS
  •  Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 1pm;  Thursday, May 7 at 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 2pm and 7pm
• Cabaret at Lake Braddock Secondary School
  • Thursday, April 30 - time TBD; Friday, May 1 - time TBD; Satuday, May 2 - time TBD
• Mean Girlsat Lewis HS
  • Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 2pm and 7pm
• Legally Blonde the musicalat Robinson Secondary School
  • Friday, April 24 at 7pm; Saturday, April 25 at 2pm and 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 2pm and 7pm
    
• Mama Mia! at West Springfield HS
  • Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 7pm; Thursday, May 7 at 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 7pm
    
• Sweeney Todd at Woodson HS
  • Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 1pm and 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 1pm and 7pm

🎨High School Pyramid Art Shows

Save the date for the High School Pyramid Art shows below across the Braddock District. At each pyramid art show you will see student works from the elementary, middle and high school levels within that high school's pyramid, student music will be played and light refreshments served. Enjoy an an evening or morning of FCPS students' artistic expression:

• Annandale HS on April 14 form 6 to 8pm
• Fairfax HS on April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30pm
• LBSS on April 8 from 6 to 8pm
• Lewis HS at Key MS on April 23, from  6 to 7:30pm
• Robinson Secondary School on April 9 from 8am to 2:30pm and from 6 to 8pm
• WSHS on April 15 from 5 to 8pm
• Woodson HS on April 14 & April 15 from  6 to 8pm

News from FCPS 📅April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

💲County Seeking Budget Input

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey .

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School . 

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten open houses are being held this spring to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at their school. View an alphabetical list of open houses . Contact your school directly if it is not included in the list.  

FCPS recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten. 

There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten . Register your child today!

💉Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations . 

Virginia’s Governor Wants to Hear From You About Virginia’s Public Schools

The Virginia Department of Education offers a survey for Virginians to submit feedback on public schools . Let our governor know what a successful school looks like to you, and what challenges or barriers are currently preventing students from thriving. The survey will close on Friday, April 10. 

FCPS in the News

• Inaugural TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Clinic  (FOX5)
• Cursive is back. But should students be learning the skill? ( NPR )
• Fairfax County High School set to giveaway prom dresses ( WUSA9 )
• Thomas Jefferson HS Sponsors Clinic for Students with Disabilities (WJLA)
• TJ High School Hits Home Run With First Adaptive Baseball Camp (Arlington Magazine)
• Inaugural TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Clinic (Yahoo News)
• Fairfax County student ranked among top shot-putters in the country (FOX5)
• Virginia coach comes out of retirement to lead one high school's girls wrestling renaissance (WUSA9)
• Chantilly Graduate Gives Back to High School (Fairfax Times)
• Rosenwald Schools Taught A Generation of Early Civil Rights Leaders (WTOP)
• Fairfax County students get hands-on lesson in financial literacy ( WUSA9 )
• Thomas Jefferson High School hires 2 women to lead boys' sports teams ( FOX5 )

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Web | Email Tom | Phone: 571-423-1088

Email the Braddock District Team | Phone: 571-423-1076

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The Speaker's List opened at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 and is now open through 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of February 9, 2026.

• Register to Speak at the Budget Public Hearing (in-person or live via Zoom)
• FY 2027 Proposed Budget
• Information on  Speaking at School Board Meetings
• Watch School Board meetings and public hearings .

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to [email protected] .

• Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the FY 2027 Proposed Budget to the School Board at the January 22, 2026 regular meeting.
• The School Board will hold work sessions on the proposed budget on February 10, 2026 and February 19, 2026.
• The School Board will hold a public hearing on February 10, 2025.
• The School Board is scheduled to take action to approve the Advertised Budget at the February 26, 2026 regular meeting.

Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Luther Jackson Middle School , at 7:00 p.m.

The Fairfax County School Board

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

School Board Seeking Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Community Members

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from Fairfax County community members interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC). The Committee consists of five School Board Members and five Community Members. The committee's primary role is to support FCPS' capital planning and facility maintenance efforts.

Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County.  The deadline to submit an application has been extended to 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Get more information and submit an application.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Cannot be a current FCPS employee
• Be independent of day-to-day management of FCPS
• Be knowledgeable about FCPS facilities policies and procedures
• Be an expert in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management and capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning and development, or related subjects

APPLICATION

• Introductory cover letter
• Submit a School Board CPDC Community Member Application. For an application, click here .
• In the application, written responses are required for the Statement of Interest questions, including:
  • Describe any professional or community experience that you believe qualifies you to serve on the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. You may attach a current resume.
  • Describe any previous experience/involvement with FCPS and/or other public schools.
  • State why you are interested in serving as a member of the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee.
  • Describe your understanding of the role of the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee

The School Board will be appointing five community members to staggered terms all commencing on April 1, 2026, and ending in either June 2027, June 2028, and June 2029.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications will be accepted until Sun, Feb 8 at 11:59 pm. Click here  to get more information, and to submit an application.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

FCPS School Board Office | FCPS School Board Members