SR&R Recap, FY25 Approved Budget, State Recognitions, Reading Instruction, Summer Arts Program, and More!

School Board Mason District 1 day 5 hours ago

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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.

Mason District Community,

Congratulations to our 2024 graduates! You and your loved ones should be very proud of this incredible accomplishment. Whether your path winds through military service, full time employment or college, or another venture, we wish you much success in your future endeavors. I look forward to celebrating with you during your commencement ceremonies in the next few weeks.

Mason District Graduation Schedule:

  • Annandale High School, June 3 at 9:30 a.m., Eagle Bank Arena
  • Edison High School, June 5 at 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
  • Falls Church High School, June 7 at 2:00 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
  • Thomas Jefferson HSST, June 8 at 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
  • Justice High School, June 6 at 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
  • Woodson High School, June 6 at 2:00 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena

I also wish to offer a final reminder about the Community Conversationtonight with Dr. Reid. Please share your thoughts and ask questions! Registration is not required, but is appreciated. 

Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m.
Poe Middle School
Register Here

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected] . If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Included in this issue:

Mason Moments: FCPS News: FBLA State Leadership Conference New Student School Board Rep Justice Rowing - State Medals New Human Resource Chief State Science & Engineering Fair   • Regional Scholastic Writing Awards Opportunities:  • Summer Arts Programs Mason News: Upcoming School Board Meetings Mason District Alumnus in Austria   • Culmore Family Resource Center School Board Work Updates:  • Student Rights & Responsibilities   • FY 2025 Approved Budget   • Reading / Basal Adoption   Mason Moments FBLA State Leadership Conference

At the recent 2024 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, 200 students from FCPS high schools competed in 55 events ranging from 3-D Animation and Accounting to Cyber Security, Computer Problem Solving, and Public Speaking. 

FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the world. Each year, the organization helps over 200,000 members prepare for careers in business.

Congratulations to the seven Mason District students who placed in the state competition, qualifying them to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando in June.

Glasgow Middle School: Nii Annan, Samuel Mulat, Miriam Stavlund,and Amen Shimeles 

Edison High School: Charles Barrios Lazo

Falls Church High School: Jessica Nguyen-Tranand Hang Tang

A complete list of FCPS winners is available .

Justice Rowing - State Championship Medals!

Justice High School Rowing submitted 6 entries to the Virginia State Championships which resulted in three second-place medals! Terrific showing, Wolves!

Congratulations to second-place medalists:

Women’s Senior Double:Chloé Bernasconi and Ella Stavlund

Women’s Senior Quad:Indigo Brookes-Weis, Sabrina Ehmann-Jones, Brooke Ehmann-Jones, and Anna Lyons 

Men’s Senior Quad:Stephen Blackadar, Sam Schneider, Tucker Trissell, and Charlie Hess

The Women’s Junior Double and Women’s Junior Quad narrowly missed out on medaling, finishing fourth in very competitive races. Congratulations to all!

State Science and Engineering Fair

Seventy-eight students from FCPS participated in the 2024 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair held at Old Dominion University last month. Mason District students Austin Cuiand Benjamin Hall,along with classmate Matthew Lee, all from Woodson High School, earned third place in Engineering Technology and Sustainable Design and an honorable mention for the Leidos Award for Excellence in Applied Science.

These students are eligible to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2024, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition. Nearly 1,700 high school students from around the world are expected to compete for nearly $9 million in awards this week. Congratulations and good luck!

A complete list of FCPS winners is available .

Regional Scholastic Writing Awards

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student writers won 31 Gold Key awards in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 259 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students. 

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio. 

Congratulations to the following Mason District students who earned awards this year:

  • Annandale High School - Fatmata Musa
  • Justice High School - Sofia Hemmens, Safinabonu Juraeva,and Yusra Wahedi

See the full list of awardees .

Mason News Mason District Alumnus Headed to Austria

Darien Roby, Justice High School Class of 2020, has earned a spot in an intensive opera-training program in Austria this summer! After graduating from Justice High School, Darien attended James Madison University, majoring in vocal performance. Congratulations, Darien!

Culmore Family Resource Center

On April 26, I was honored to join Delegate Charniele L. Herring and the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) at the ribbon cutting for the new Period Pantry located at the Culmore Family Resource Center.

The Culmore Period Pantry stocks a variety of feminine hygiene products available for free to anyone in need. This pantry is the latest effort by the JLNV in their Campaign to End Period Poverty . Donations will be accepted during the center's regular hours in order to keep the pantry stocked.

The Culmore Family Resource Center welcomes between 700 and 800 visitors each month and offers a wide range of services and programs through the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services , including adult literacy programming, a clubhouse for children with a focus on literacy, Safe Youth Project, homework support, home visits (coordinated with schools), field trips, and of course the newly opened period pantry.

Culmore Family Resource Center
3304B Culmore Court, Falls Church, VA 22041
703-379-5217, TTY 711
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

School Board Work Updates Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The School Board approved the SY 2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities, Regulation 2601, at the May 9 regular meeting

I introduced two amendments which were approved by the School Board. 

  1. To decrease non-instructional cell phone use in the classrooms, revisions to the cell phone policy will add the clause, “ with the approval of the principal, or their designee” before the sentence, “teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities, where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs" on page 15.
  2. Revisions to the substance abuse section will now allow a student voluntarily seeking support for substance abuse issues (or whose parent/guardian is seeking support for the student) will be provided support without application of SR&R consequences if the student does not have a history of substance abuse or drug distribution related discipline and is not associated in current investigations related to substance abuse or drug distribution. This assistance would not absolve students from consequences if evidence is found indicating the student’s involvement in drug/substance-related violations to the SR&R after the initial request for support (page 37 of the SR&R).

Additional revisions include:

  • Addition of Self-Defensestating that school officials shall consider as a factor when determining disciplinary action for misconduct involving fighting.
  • Revision to Possessing, Using, and Being Under Influence of Controlled Substancesto be in alignment with VDOE guidelines on the possessing of marijuana and THC oil. Possessing of marijuana and THC oil was changed to start at Level 3 (from a Level 2).

A full list of revisions can be found in the May 9th presentation .

FUTURE WORK

The Board also approved several motions to direct the Superintendent to: 

  • develop and implement a strategic communications plan to inform stakeholders of the expectations contained in the SR&R with respect to cell phone usage in high schools. Further, to aid consistent implementation of the existing cell phone policies, the Superintendent will develop a plan for consideration by the Board, for a 2024-25 school year pilot program within each region for secure cell phone storage to include the potential use of classroom cell phone lockers, magnetic pouches, or other similar devices. The Superintendent will work directly with principals and school-based staff to reiterate the Board’s expectation that the SR&R cell phone policy be consistently enforced at all times.
  • provide by November 1, 2024, data and analysis, including demographic data, on recidivism/discipline issues and on-time graduation (for students who have graduated) starting with School Year 2021- 22 for current students and those who graduated during this time frame, who as a result of disciplinary action/measures had been 1) removed from their base school; 2) sent to alternative schools/programs; 3) removed from current school due to an IEP team decision; or 4) sent to a different comprehensive school.
  • develop alternatives to existing FCPS practices governing cell phones in public schools. Specifically, the Superintendent shall develop multiple options to establish a consistent policy governing student access to and usage of cell phones in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The option set shall include, but not be limited to, a prohibition on student usage of cell phones during the school day, with appropriate exceptions for instructional activities and appropriate accommodations for students with IEPs, 504s, or medical conditions. The option set shall incorporate stakeholder input, best practices, and lessons learned from other school divisions. The Superintendent shall solicit public input on the option set in advance of its presentation to the School Board. The Superintendent shall present the option set to the School Board by March 1, 2025. None of the options shall be implemented by the Superintendent unless approved by majority vote of the School Board.
  • prepare for the Board an assessment of student disciplinary practices with an eye towards greater efficacy and fidelity of implementation, including a thoughtful evaluation of and any recommended changes for “shall” and “may” directives. This assessment shall include robust engagement from families, school staff (including classroom educators), students, and relevant stakeholders. It shall also include details about lessons learned from the fidelity training included in this year’s SR&R, and suggestions for moving the next SR&R toward greater clarity, efficacy, and fidelity. Finally, this assessment will be completed and brought back to the Board by November 1, 2024, for thoughtful consideration, potential amendments, and action.
FY 2025 Approved Budget

The Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2025 Approved Budget at the May 9th meeting. Changes from the FY 2025 Advertised Budget include a reduction of the proposed salary increase from 6% to 3%. This reduction is primarily due because the County granted the School Board an additional $165M of the $254M being requested, resulting in a $89M shortfall. 

The full presentation can be found on BoardDocs which also includes recommendations from the Superintendent to shift $6.5M to year-end to fund the ERFC Legacy DROP program, $24.2M for special education teacher extended day contracts, and $0.8M for one-time funding for athletic expansion.

The next steps in FCPS’ budget process include the final Work Session on Tuesday, May 21and the vote to adopt the final budget on Thursday, May 23.

For more details on our budget, view FCPS budget documents .

On a related note, I will continue my advocacy, which was started last fall, for the Board of Supervisors to consider implementing a meals tax in order to continue to support the increasing needs of our schools. View the November 28, 2023 School Board/Board of Supervisors Joint Budget Meeting (my remarks begin at 4:00).

Reading / Basal Adoption

Reading / Basal Adoption

At the March 7th Regular Business Meeting, the Board received a presentation regarding the K-6 Language Arts Basal Adoption and voted unanimously to approve the purchase of Benchmark Advance as the basal instructional resource for elementary language arts. 

The Board was informed that basal materials are foundational instructional materials that are aligned with the Science of Reading and will be implemented in all K-6 classrooms in the school year 2024-25. Furthermore, staff has indicated that the new basal resource is expected to: 

  • ensure that all students in K-6 are instructed via the Science of Reading approach, which is proven to be the strongest approach to ensure literacy mastery;
  • align literacy instruction across the entire school division, for teaching strategies and thematic content;
  • provide content designed to build knowledge, vocabulary, and perspectives via thematic units across grade bands;
  • meet the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act ; and 
  • allow adjustments to best instruct our students with disabilities and our English language learners.

Ms. Klimenko, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, indicated that reading and language arts teachers will be trained in the use of the new basal starting this summer and training will continue into the next school year. 

Staff and community are enthusiastically supportive of the basal implementation and its anticipated outcomes to develop proficient readers across all demographic subgroups given the research based practices on which it was developed.   

Staff also shared that FCPS will require a daily time allotment of 90-105 minutes for reading/language arts instruction - which is slightly less than the publisher's recommendation of 120 minutes. The challenge presented for sixth grade students who attend our middle schools is that they would only receive 90 minutes of instruction every other day.The current plan would mean that sixth graders at Glasgow, Holmes and Poe would be provided with half of the mandated literacy time allotment due the middle school block scheduling.  

Additionally, the plan as currently devised will require Social Studies teachers, who are not scheduled for training in the basal materials, to teach one of the nine instructional units. Furthermore, two additional units will be eliminated entirely. This will result in the removal of three of the nine basal instructional units for sixth graders in middle schoolsfrom their reading/language arts block.

This proposed solution to the challenges of the middle school schedule  - especially given the deep needs of our students as illustrated by multiple data points, is unacceptable. It is imperative that staff develop a plan that equitably provides access for the 1,191 middle school sixth grade students that includes access to the full scope of the units with the recommended daily time allotment.

FCPS News New Student School Board Representative

Megan Sawant, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Ms. Sawant will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Rida Karim, a junior at Woodson High School. She will be the 54th student representative to the School Board. Read more about Megan here .

New Chief Human Resources Officer

Superintendent Reid has named William Solomon as chief human resources officer, effective June 3, 2024. Mr. Solomon currently serves as Executive Director of Talent Acquisition in Houston Independent School District (ISD).

Learn more about Mr. Solomon .

Opportunities Summer Arts Programs

Do you have plans for your children yet this summer? Do they love the Arts? Rising 7-12 grade studentscan learn Photography, Guitar, Cake Decorating, Painting, Stage Combat, Acting, Stone Carving, and much more! Visit Institute for the Arts for more information.

Rising 3-6 grade students can take classes in Art, Music, Theatre and Dance daily. Visit Elementary Institute for the Arts for more information.

Both programs are located at Lake Braddock Secondary School

July 8-26, 2024

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Transportation is available and tuition assistance is offered for students who qualify. Enroll today while seats are still available!

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings(Luther Jackson Middle School)

  • May 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
  • June 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions(Gatehouse Administration Center)

  • May 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
  • May 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website . The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

@masonfcps

@MasonDistrictSB

@masondistrictsb

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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1083  | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064,  [email protected]

Mason Moments, Mason News, Upcoming Events, Feedback Opportunities, and More!

School Board Mason District 2 weeks 4 days ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website .

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web .

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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.

Mason District Community,

Currently, the School Board is engaged in some of our most important work. The 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation is scheduled for a Board vote on May 9, 2024. Please be sure to review the document and share any questions and concerns you may have with me. Additionally, the Board has taken on the crucial work of developing a school boundary policy. You are also invited to review the work to date and provide your feedback .

Please be reminded that the Middle School Start Time Community Forum is scheduled to occur at Glasgow MS this evening, Monday, April 29th, 6-8 p.m. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. I realize the importance of this matter to families in the Mason District for students in our three middle schools spend three years at Glasgow, Poe and Holmes and all other 6th graders in Fairfax County are in elementary schools. 

The Mason District schools have been busy with preparations for their spring musicals and plays, but took time to perform at the School Board’s Regular Business Meeting. The Annandale High School Singers performed the National Anthem at the School Board Meeting on April 11, 2024. Take a moment to listen to the beautiful voices of our students. 

Click on the image to hear the Annandale Singers perform the National Anthem.

Recently, Annandale High School’s principal, Shawn DeRose, shared the document below exposing errors and inconsistent information gathering that outside organizations are using to “rate” our schools. These ratings are often used by individuals looking to relocate to the area which elevates the need to report true and accurate information. We appreciate Mr. DeRose’s leadership in offering the corrections to the families and real estate personnel in our community.

Lastly, in a few weeks, we will begin again with the graduation ceremonies and the schedule is added below for your convenience.

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected] . If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Included in this issue:

Mason Moments: FCPS News: State Forensics Champions Food and Nutrition All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus Math and Science Olympiad National Science Teaching Award Assistance with FAFSA Mason News: Last Day of School Dismissal New Principal at Bailey's Upper Substance Abuse Prevention Program Holmes MS Title I Info Session No-Cost Talk Therapy Winko-Matics in Mason District Opportunities: Mason District Theatre Middle School Start Time Meetings 2024 Graduation Schedule Culmore Community Day School Board Work Updates: Rising 9th Graders in FCHS Pyramid Boundary Work Wolfpack Theatre Pyramid Day Student Rights & Responsibilities Equity Award Nominations ERFC Plan Changes Upcoming School Board Meetings FY 2025 Budget       Mason Moments State Forensics Champions

Two Justice High School students earned FIRST PLACEawards at the 2024 VHSL State Forensics Meet:

Elias Kassa, Serious Dramatic Interpretation category

Valeria Peterson, Storytelling category

The Justice team earned third place overall in the state competition. Congratulations, Wolves!

2024 All-State Band, Orchestra, and Chorus

One hundred eighty-one FCPS students were selected to perform at the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event. Students from throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for a spot in the band, chorus, or orchestra. 

These groups had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with other premier musicians from across the Commonwealth, under the direction of nationally recognized conductors at the Richmond Convention Center last weekend.

Congratulations to the selected Mason District students!

Falls Church High School: Chorus - Colt Armstrong

Justice High School: Band - Diego Cruz-Cocaand Sabrina Ehmann-Jones| Chorus - Sofi Hemmens, Elijah Kassa, Rahel Kassa, Valeria Peterson,and Saron Walelign

TJHSST: Orchestra - Serenna Semonsen

Teacher Receives Award From National Science Teaching Association

Kirsten Salonga, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) environmental science and biology teacher at Justice High School, has been named one of six winners of the National Science Teaching Association’s 2023 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award. Read about Ms. Salonga and this award .

Mason News New Principal at Bailey's Upper

Ms. Holly Dowling has been named the new principal of Bailey’s Upper Elementary, effective May 13, 2024.

Ms. Dowling joins Bailey’s Upper after serving five years as assistant principal at Braddock Elementary School. Prior to joining FCPS, Ms. Dowling held teaching and leadership positions in Alexandria Public Schools and District of Columbia Public Schools.

Welcome to the Mason District, Ms. Dowling!

Title I Info Session at Holmes Middle School Winko-Matics in Mason District

The following school zones in the Mason District currently have Winko-Matic flashing lights installed. The Winko-Matics are just one of several enhanced transportation safety measures FCSP has adopted in partnership with the Fairfax County Police Department. 

Other initiatives include bus arm camera systems on school buses and speed enforcement cameras in school zones. The Winko-Matics for three of these schools have been included in a list for consideration for the next 40 camera installations: Belvedere, Edison, and Weyanoke.

*Braddock Road E/B and Braddock Road W/B cameras are shared **Speed Camera installed

Mason District Theatre

Annandale Theatre Company presents

Mean Girls

May 3-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Woodson High School Drama presents

1776: America’s Award Winning Musical

May 3-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Edison Theatre Company presents

The Addams Family

May 1-3 & 4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

FCHS Spotlight Theatre Company presents

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

May 2, 4, & 5, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

The Wolfpack Theatre at Justice High School presents

The Internet is Distract - OH LOOK A KITTEN!

May 2-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Luther Jackson Middle School Drama presents

Matilda Jr.

May 16 - 18, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

2024 Graduation Schedule School Date/Time Location

Annandale HS

June 3, 9:30 a.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Edison HS

June 5, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Falls Church HS

June 7, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Thomas Jefferson HSST

June 8, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Justice HS

June 6, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Woodson HS

June 6, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

School Board Work Updates Boundary Work

The Board discussed the larger boundary/capacity issues facing FCPS in a Forum on February 13th. The Governance Committee has been working to update Policy 8130 .  A copy of the draft policy can be found here . I invite you to review this information and share your feedback with me to inform my decisions as your representative.

Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)

The Board discussed Regulation 2601, Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R), at work sessions on March 19 and April 2 . Please review the proposed updated SR&R and share your feedback with me to inform my decisions as your representative.

Notable changes in the proposed SY25 SR&R include the following:

  • Language on neurodiversity
  • VDOE guidelines around self defense
  • VDOE guidelines around possessing, using, and being under the influence of controlled substances
  • Definitions of digital citizenship, generative artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, scholastic dishonesty and self defense 

The Board is scheduled to take action on the proposed updated SR&R on May 9, 2024.

ERFC Plan Changes

On March 21, 2024, the Board approved the following changes to the ERFC Plan:  

  1. DROP for Legacy: Changes to the Legacy ERFC plan design to address the disconnect between ERFC and VRS service and age requirements for a full, unreduced pension from both. This plan, available to Legacy employees eligible for full retirement: 55+ years with 25+ years of service, will provide employees with the option to work up to 5 years past ERFC Legacy retirement age. The cost to implement this program is $6.5 million. A follow-on motion was approved by the Board to prioritize funding the DROP program at year end if funds do not remain in the budget.
  2. Sick Leave Credit: The Legacy ERFC program allows unused sick leave balances to be credited as retirement service. The ERFC 2001 Plan (Tier I & Tier 2) does not. A comparable provision is proposed for ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) service credit. Providing Sick Leave Credit to ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) members aims to incentivize employees to preserve sick leave, thereby enhancing their retirement benefits. This change also will potentially reduce the number of sick leave days employees use, which will reduce the number of substitute teachers needed.
  3. Working after Retirement: The plan design changes proposed will align ERFC with VRS’ work after retirement plan allowing eligible retirees to continue to receive their ERFC retirement benefits. Implementing the Work after Retirement (WAR) plan will support teacher retirement and retention efforts with an emphasis on critical shortage positions. After the required 6-month break, employees could be rehired into one-year-only positions, which must be renewed annually. 

More details about each of these approved changes can be found in the March 21 meeting information on BoardDocs

FY 2025 Budget

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt their budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS on May 7th. The School Board is scheduled to adopt the FY 2025 Budget at the May 23rd meeting. Prior to that vote, community members have the opportunity to share their comments regarding the budget during the public hearing scheduled for May 14th. Register to speak .

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar .

FCPS News Food and Nutrition

What did your child eat for lunch today? FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has been rolling out improvements to their menu this year to better reflect the diversity of FCPS and focus on fresh, healthy food. The division aims to illustrate farm-to-table eating in schools and bring scratch-cooking to all schools.

A total of 25 new menu offerings have been introduced this school year:

BREAKFAST

•Turkey Ham & American Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (English Muffin) •Egg & Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (English Muffin) •Turkey Sausage & Mozzarella Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (MS/HS) (English Muffin) •Egg & Cheddar Cheese Croissant Breakfast Sandwich •Egg & Turkey Sausage Croissant •Turkey Sausage & Mozzarella Croissant •Assorted Parfaits (Berry, Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, Peach)

LUNCH

•Black Bean Burger •Fresh Garden Vegetable Flatbread •Chicken Parmesan Sandwich •BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich •Chicken Fajitas •Turkey Ham & Cheese Croissant •Scratch-Made Grilled Cheese •Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wings •Black Bean Taco •Chicken Dumplings •Cheese Quesadilla •Korean BBQ Chicken Wings •Chicken Quesadilla •BBQ Chicken Bowl •Vegijita Wrapadilla •BBQ Chicken Flatbread •Meatball Marinara Sub •Build Your Own Burrito Math and Science Olympiad

FCPS has set aside central Title I funding for the 2024-2025 school year to ensure that every Title I elementary school will have registered Science and Math Olympiad teams. Be sure to watch for information from your child’s school early in the year to learn how your child can participate.

Assistance with FAFSA

According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax . Email [email protected] . All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free. 

Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 12, 2024.  All Secondary and High Schools will have a 2-hour day with dismissal at 10:00 a.m./10:10 a.m. on the last day of school. All other levels will be dismissed 2 hours early on this day. Watch for specific details from your student’s school.

Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP) Program

Any FCPS student who violates the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) regulation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) is required to participate in the SAP Program. 

Once referred to the program, students meet with a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) during the school day who assesses a student’s level of substance use and provides an appropriate level of intervention, which can include: substance abuse prevention education, individual or group intervention, or referral to a community behavioral health provider.

Students are exposed to various tools and strategies including refusal skills and cessation techniques. Staff members and parents can refer a student to the SAP program. Students can also refer themselves and may participate in the SAP program regardless of whether there has been a violation of the ATOD regulation.

For more information regarding the SAP program, visit the Substance Abuse Prevention Program website.

No-Cost Talk Therapy for High School Students

Is your high school student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Virtual mental health services are available at no cost through an FCPS partnership with therapists who are licensed and trained in teen-specific challenges. Forty percent of Hazel providers are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. Therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect them with longer-term mental health services in the community. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service. 

Opportunities Middle School Start Times - Virtual Meeting Added!

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Register for the virtual forum .

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times .  

Culmore Community Day Attention! Rising 9th Graders in FCHS Pyramid

Falls Church High School, in partnership with Luther Jackson Middle School, invites families of 8th graders to attend “ Getting to Know Falls Church High School.”

Learn more about the difference between middle school and high school: academics, schedules, clubs, sports, staff, and support.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Luther Jackson Middle School Cafeteria

Spanish language interpretation and snacks available. Contact Carolina Dotel with any questions: [email protected] or 703-207-4074.

Wolfpack Theatre Pyramid Day Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor Dr. Bussey’s legacy as a founding member of the MSAOC and longtime advocate for students and families. 

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage .

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings(Luther Jackson Middle School)

  • May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
  • May 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions(Gatehouse Administration Center)

  • May 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
  • May 21, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Public Hearings(Luther Jackson Middle School)

  • May 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (Budget)
  • May 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (Budget, if necessary)

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website . The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

@masonfcps

@MasonDistrictSB

@masondistrictsb

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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1083  | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064,  [email protected]

Important Update - Glasgow MS Boundary Scoping Study

School Board Mason District 1 month 3 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website .

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web .

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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.

Mason District Community,

It is with deep disappointment that I share that the School Board did notapprove the Glasgow Middle School Boundary Scoping Study at the School Board Meeting last night, March 21, 2024.

Mr. McElveen and Mr. Moon joined me to support the motion, but the majority (7) of the Board elected to deny the motion until a division-wide boundary adjustment can be implemented in the outyears. My position remains that the work to right-size Glasgow Middle School could have been accomplished in conjunction with the pending holistic boundary work to address the long-standing needs of the school. 

At this time, the Board’s Governance Committee is working on revising the boundary policy, Policy 8130 , with the goal of completing this work by July 2024. The Governance Committee meetings are open to the public and their meeting schedule is listed below for your reference. Please also find links to the documents the committee has reviewed to-date related to this work.

While this outcome is regrettable given the unpredictability of the division-wide, holistic boundary work, I will continue to advocate for our community.

Governance Committee Meetings
  • April 15, 2024, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  • April 16, 2024, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
  • May 15, 2024, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • May 20, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • June 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • July 1, 2024, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Governance Meetings are held at the Gatehouse Administration Center (8115 Gatehouse Rd., Falls Church) in Room 1600.

Dates/times are subject to change. Any changes will be reflected on the School Board Annual Calendar on BoardDocs.

Governance Committee Meeting Documents

February 22, 2024 Governance Committee Meeting :

March 12, 2024 Governance Committee Meeting :

(note that the five documents from the February meeting were also included in the materials for the March meeting)

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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1083  | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064,  [email protected]

Mason Moments, FCPS Updates, Engagement Opportunities, and More!

School Board Mason District 1 month 3 weeks ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website .

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web .

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

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.

Mason District Community,

Daylight Saving has provided us with a little more light as we welcome springtime and wrap up the third quarter of the school year. We hope our students and families are able to take advantage of the upcoming Spring Break to reflect on progress of the school year to date and review plans for the final quarter. As we head toward the end of the school year, the high school graduation schedule is included below for your planning purposes. 

In celebration of Black History Month, Lift Every Voice and Sing was performed by the Justice High School Chamber Choir at the February 22nd School Board meeting. I invite you to listen to their beautiful rendition of this song, often referred to as “The Black National Anthem.”

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Global STEM Fair at Edison High School. I was very impressed by the knowledge and presentations by the 11th grade students. Presentations focused on generating clean electric power for regions around the world with low access to electricity.

I was also happy to judge the science fair at Justice High School and engage with more creative and inventive students.

Finally, I had the opportunity to join in the festivities at Justice High School's International Night. Such a wonderful celebration of culture and diversity!

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected] . If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Included in this issue:

Mason Moments:

Opportunities:

Justice Forensics Exploring Middle School Start Times Regional Scholastic Art Winners Superintendent Community Conversation School Communications Award FCRHA Scholarship Opportunity Winning Graphic Design NOVA Vision 2024 Mason District Athletes Family Engagement Survey GRAMMY Winner at Annandale HS First Class Award for Inclusion Read-On Young Readers Magnet School Registration

School Board Work Updates:

Join FCPS - Job Fairs CIP Update Virginia Stingrays Rec Softball Budget Update VIP Summer Camp

FCPS News:

Summer Camps/Learning Programs Regulation-Meditation/Reflection Space Upcoming School Board Meetings Teacher-Referred Tutoring   • AP/IB Assessment Fees   • 2024 Graduation Dates   • Calendar Reminders Mason Moments Justice Forensics - Super Regional Runners Up!

Congratulations to the Justice High School Forensics team! They finished the VHSL Super Regional tournament as Runners Up for the 5th consecutive year.

Gold Medalists moving on to the State Meet: Emy Fase, Elias Kassa, Laura Stoker and Valeria Peterson.

Regional Scholastic Art Winners

The 2024 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students in grades 7-12 a total of 714 awards for outstanding artwork.

Artworks were submitted and judged in categories including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, jewelry, fashion, film and animation, mixed media, and art portfolios. 

Congratulations to the following Mason District students!

Holmes Middle School

  • Ruby Connelly, Honorable Mention
  • Adam Osman, Honorable Mention
  • Elliott Rekstad, Honorable Mention

Falls Church High School

  • Maya Benke, Honorable Mention
  • Chengna Lin, Silver Key
  • Christopher So, Honorable Mention (2)

Justice High School

  • Jenna Kassem,  Honorable Mention, Gold Key
  • Piper Koury, Silver Key
  • Tra My Nguyen, Honorable Mention
  • Faiza Warsame, Silver Key
  • Paisley Wilkins, Honorable Mention
  • Fey Zurita-Sejas, Gold Key

Lake Braddock Secondary School

  • Sachiko Convery, Honorable Mention, Silver Key, Gold Key

Learn more and view the complete list of FCPS awardees

FCPS School Communications Award

Fairfax County Public Schools presented awards for outstanding school communications at the School Communicators Conference held January 26, 2024.  The 2023 Awards of Communication Excellence celebrate the creation of exceptional website, newsletter, and social media content.

Congratulations to Annandale High School, recognized for its newsletter, the Annandale Insider

Learn more about the awards and the 2023 winners.

Winning Student Designs

In May, the FCPS Office of Communications called for entries for new graphics to acknowledge the religious and cultural observances identified on the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar . Middle and high school students were invited to create visuals that positively represented the observances celebrated in the FCPS community. 

The submitted entries were judged by a panel of FCPS cultural liaisons and graphic designers. The eleven winning designs will be featured on FCPS and school social media platforms, and in various newsletters leading up to the holidays.

Winners of the challenge included two Mason District students:

Najenji D. from Justice High School(Christmas design featured in December)

Dayanara M. from Falls Church High School- Easter design below

Mason District Athletes

Congratulations to State Swim Championsfrom Justice High School:

  • Emma Redmanin boththe 100 YD Breaststroke andthe 200 YD Individual Medley
  • The Girls 200 YD Freestyle Relay Team - Claire Coughlin, Annika Wentland, Reagan Kampschror, and Emma Redman

Congratulations to the National District Champions for Girls Indoor Track - the Justice High School Girls Indoor Track Team!

Congratulations to George Lynch,a wrestler from Falls Church High Schoolwho was crowned the National District Champion in his weight class.

Senior Simone Pendletonbecame the Falls Church Girls Basketballall-time leading scorer during the game on February 8, 2024. Simone was also named to the 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-Region, National District Player of the year, and Defensive Player of the Year! Congratulations, Simone!

GRAMMY Winner at Annandale HS

Annie Ray, orchestra teacher at Annandale High School, is the winner of the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award, which honors teachers for their impact as music educators and commitment to music education in schools. I am thrilled that her impact and commitment to music education were recognized on this scale.

Ms. Ray is the founder and co-director of the FCPS Parent Orchestra which began in 2018 with 25 parents and has grown to over 200 parents/guardians and staff. The ensembles provide a unique opportunity for caregivers to connect with their child. Ms. Ray also founded Crescendo Orchestra, serving students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities. 

Learn more about Annie Ray.

Read-On Young Readers

I recently had the opportunity to read to some enthusiastic students at Braddock Elementary School through the Read-On Young Readers (ROYR) program.

ROYR was founded to mitigate the potential reading & English language loss to students due to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has expanded to include in-person readings in addition to the virtual program. 

Students are paired with volunteers who have a wide range of backgrounds and experience, including several retired teachers and administrators. The program has partnered with three FCPS schools, including two serving Mason District students: Mason Crest Elementary and Braddock Elementary.

The goal of the program is to instill the love of reading and to be another dependable adult in the student’s life. ROYR also provides each student three new books every month to help grow their personal libraries. 

If you are interested in volunteering with ROYR, please visit their website to complete the volunteer form and to learn more about their program.  

School Board Work Updates CIP Update

The School Board approved the FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on February 8, 2024. The approval included an amendment which I presented to add Parklawn Elementary Schoolto the proposed CIP to allow staff to address the number of temporary classrooms and projected capacity deficit at the school. 

Parklawn has enrolled almost 200 international students seeking refuge since the 2021-22 school year. This is not a trend in birth rates or construction which could have been predicted by Facilities staff. This rapid increase in unexpected student enrollment has created an urgent need. Parklawn currently maintains 29 trailers and has a projected capacity ranging from 103% to 112% in the next five years. Without the modular units, the projections range from 144% to 156% for the same span of time. 

Budget Update

The School Board adopted the FY 2025 Advertised Budget on February 22, 2024. 

This advertised budget largely focuses on compensation and does not contain new initiatives. With a proposed salary increase of 6%, this budget seeks to support teacher recruitment and retention efforts.   

It is imperative for FCPS to be competitive in the local job market. FCPS is the largest school division in Virginia, but ranks near the bottom in teacher compensation, especially for teachers with a master’s degree. 

FY24 Master’s Lane Beginning Teacher Salary

FCPS per-pupil spending ranks in the middle of all divisions in the Washington area, with Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, and Loudoun all spending more per pupil. Meeting our budget needs is a challenge given the historic underfunding by the Commonwealth of Virginia, using outdated staffing formulas that no longer meet the rising needs of our students. Currently, Virginia provides less funding per student than many of our neighboring states, including Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

An increasingly diverse FCPS student population with higher needs requires more resources and staffing. The majority of the FCPS budget comes from a Fairfax County transfer. This budget is requesting an increase of $254 million, or 10.5% from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. 

The 10.5% is lower than the requests of  Loudoun County Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools, asking 11.3% and 10.6%, respectively. A 2.3% overall enrollment increase over FY 2023 is expected, as well as enrollment increases of 19.4% in FRM, 12.9% in ESOL, and 10.7% in Special Education.

The chronic underfunding by the Commonwealth exacerbates the challenges of funding specialized instruction and tools to address evolving needs effectively.

Historically, the average budget transfer from Fairfax County has been 52.6% of county disbursements. For the past two years, the budget transfer from Fairfax County has been less than the historical average.

The County’s FY 2025 Advertised Budget includes an FCPS transfer of 51.4%, or $178.6 million. If our County partners match the historical average budget transfer amount of 52.6% for FY 2025, the total transfer would increase by approximately $63 million to help bridge the gap between the FCPS request of $254 million and the $178.6 million in the County’s Advertised Budget.

The School Board will conduct another Budget Work Session on May 7th, followed by a Public Hearing on May 14th. The FY 2025 Approved Budget is scheduled to be adopted by the Board at the May 23rd School Board Meeting.

FCPS News New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces

FCPS has created a regulation to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. Regulation 1502: Expectations for Meditation and Silent Reflection Space Accommodations provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time and for students to leave school for religious activities.

These spaces are designated areas within a school or on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. View Regulation 1502 for more information.

New! Teacher-Referred Tutoring in Schoology

A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning. Encourage your child to click the Tutor.com icon in Schoology for homework help, concept review, writing support, and test prep. Look for session referrals from students’ teachers on the Tutor.com portal homepage .

AP/IB Assessment Fees

FCPS covers the fees for everystudent’s first six AP/IB exams. Fees for additional exams are waived for students who qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program and have submitted a consent to share information for benefits for other programs. This information is automatically applied when the student registers for a test beyond the 6th exam.

The Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage includes both the online application and links to the Consent to Share Information for Benefits for Other Programs form , both of which are available in multiple languages.

2024 Graduation Dates School Date/Time Location

Annandale HS

June 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Edison HS

June 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Falls Church HS

June 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Thomas Jefferson HSST

June 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Justice HS

June 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Woodson HS

June 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Calendar Reminders

Friday, March 22, is the end of the third quarter.

Monday, March 25, to Friday, March 29is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed.

Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2, are school planning and teacher workdays, respectively. There will be no school for students on these days. See the school year calendar

Opportunities Exploring Middle School Start Times

In September 2023, Prismatic was awarded a contract to explore adjusting start times for middle schools to 8 a.m. or later, beginning in the fall of 2025.

At the February 22, 2024 School Board meeting, Prismatic Services Inc. presented an analysis of middle school start times including background information and community engagement plans. View the presentation slides

Community forums will take place in April and May. Prismatic Services, Inc. will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule: 

Registration is not required, but it does help with planning. Click the location of the event to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about exploring middle school start times .

Superintendent Community Conversations

Superintendent Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this spring. The events are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions.

While all events are intended to be inclusive for all families, there is a conversation scheduled in the Mason District on May 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Poe Middle School. Registration is open now for this event. Please see the registration form for additional information about transportation, childcare, and language interpretation.

Find a complete list of the Superintendent’s scheduled Community Conversations .

Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship applications now open! Applicant must be a Fairfax County resident living in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA.

Find out more.

NOVA Vision 2024April 17, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Annandale Campus 

FCPS and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), are offering an opportunity for students with disabilities interested in attending NOVA to learn about available options. The orientation will include presentations from Accommodations and Accessibility Services and Counseling Services, a mock NOVA classroom experience for students, and a NOVA student panel with Q&A session. Click here to register.  

Participate in the Family Engagement Survey

The FCPS Family Engagement Survey is available until Friday, March 22. Families are encouraged to complete the survey as it provides the opportunity to share family perspectives and offer feedback on their family’s engagement experience within FCPS. The survey results will help the school division better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community.

Parents/caregivers should have received an email invitation with a unique survey link from K12 Insight on March 3. The subject line was: FCPS Family Engagement Survey. Families may also access the survey through the FCPS website .  

Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion 

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement programs or activities that include students with disabilities that result in positive outcomes for all students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20

Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email [email protected] with questions.

Magnet School Registration

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery will be open through Friday, April 12. Learn more about the schools, their programs, and locations .

Join FCPS 🥗 Food and Nutrition Hiring

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting job fairs

No registration is needed. For more information or general questions, contact FNS at 703-813-4800 or [email protected] .

🚍 Transportation Services Hiring

The Office of Transportation Services will be hosting bus driver job fairs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.on the following dates: 

This is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents to earn income with benefits (and bring your preschooler to work with you!), as well as for retirees, college students, or career switchers.

No registration is needed to attend. Apply today ! Contact 571-423-3000 or [email protected] with questions.

Virginia Stingrays Recreational Softball Applications Now Open for VIP Camp 

Find out more and complete an application online .

FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.

Career and Technical Education

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register. 

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register. 

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. The course is available between Friday, June 14, and Friday, July 26. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page .

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program . Registration ends Friday, June 7. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.

Credit Recovery Academy

The Credit Recovery Academy provides an opportunity for students to recover one high school course credit. Students may not take these courses for new course credit. Students will attend class in person in July. Transportation information will be communicated to families prior to the start of the program. Registration begins on Monday, April 22. Register on the Summer Learning webpage

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This free online class provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher. This class is pass/fail only and fulfills the online requirement toward graduation. 

The class takes place from Monday, June 24, to Friday, July 12. Registration is open through Friday, June 7. Learn more on the Summer Learning webpage

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings(Luther Jackson Middle School)

  • March 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
  • April 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions(Gatehouse Administration Center)

  • April 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
  • April 16, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. 

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website . The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel .

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

@masonfcps

@MasonDistrictSB

@masondistrictsb

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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1083  | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064,  [email protected]

School Innovation and Improvement Plans (SIIP)

School Board Mason District 3 months ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website .

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web .

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Mason District Community,

I hope that all is well as students begin the second semester. Please be sure to connect with your child’s teachers to discuss your child’s progress and foster a productive rest of the school year. This newsletter is to inform the Mason community of the improvement plans developed by each school along with the strategies designed to help realize the goal of increasing student academic achievement. 

This year, schools are required to develop a goal or outcome in the area of Reading in support of Strategic Goal 3, Academic Growth & Excellence .

If you have any questions regarding your child’s School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP), please contact your child’s teacher and/or principal to discuss the implementation of each strategy and the impact on your child’s instruction.

Each school’s comprehensive SIIP is available on their website.

Elementary Schools

Annandale Terrace Mantua Bailey's Primary Mason Crest Bailey's Upper North Springfield Beech Tree Parklawn Belvedere Sleepy Hollow Braddock Timber Lane Bren Mar Park Westlawn Camelot Weyanoke Columbia Woodburn Glen Forest

Middle Schools

Glasgow Jackson Holmes Poe

High Schools

Annandale Justice Edison Thomas Jefferson Falls Church Woodson Elementary Schools

Annandale Terrace Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, 66% of students in grades 1 - 3 will demonstrate progress on their reading typical growth target as measured by the reading iReady compared to 57% of students' reading typical growth target in June 2023.

  • Strategy 1: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. (HLP 2, 5)
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen systematic and explicit writing instruction and provide opportunities to write throughout the day. (HLP 4)
  • Strategy 3: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, 60% of students in grades 1 - 5 will demonstrate progress on their math typical growth target as measured by the math iReady compared to 50% of students demonstrating math typical growth target in June 2023.

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teacher’s implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.

Science

Outcome:By June 2024, the grade 5 science SOL pass rate will increase from a 40% unadjusted pass rate (Spring 2023) to a 50% unadjusted pass rate. The intent to reduce the failure will also increase the science SOL adjusted pass rate from 72% to 77% of 5th grade students passing the science SOL test.

  • Strategy 1: Increase content and/or pedagogy knowledge in science for all teachers (advanced, general, ESOL, SPED).
  • Strategy 2: Expand the type and frequency of formative assessments to evaluate progress throughout units.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By June 2024, Annandale Terrace will reduce the chronic absenteeism rate to below 15% resulting in achieving a level 1 for chronic and absenteeism according to the Absenteeism Data dashboard as compared to 19.8% chronic absenteeism rate from June 2023.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.

Bailey’s Primary Elementary

Reading by 3rd Grade

Outcome:By Spring of 2024, the number of PreK - Grade 2 students who will meet the spring reading screener benchmark will increase from 44% to 59% as measured by the LLS/PALS/iReady assessments.

  • Strategy 1: Improve daily, systematic, explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block. (HLP 2)
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5
  • Strategy 3: Expand use of independent practice with a variety of texts (e.g., decodable, nonfiction, fiction) and meaningful tasks (e.g., Lexia, writing about reading). (HLP 2-4)

Mathematics

Outcome:By Spring of 2024, the number of PreK - Grade 2 students who will meet the spring math screener benchmark will increase from 45% to 60% as measured by the EMAS/iReady assessments.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 2: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-24 school year, we will reduce our school’s chronic absenteeism rate to 15% or below as evidenced by our school’s chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students, and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.

Bailey’s Upper Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the number of third grade students demonstrating expected within year (typical annual) growth as measured by the iReady will increase by 10% (from 50% to 60%).

  • Strategy 1: Improve daily, systematic, explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block. (HLP 2)
  • Strategy 2: Increase interdisciplinary opportunities to build language and SEL skill development across content areas and throughout the school day. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 3: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)
  • Strategy 4: Increase opportunities for Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction for English language learners not on grade level for reading.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the number of students demonstrating expected within year growth as measured by the iReady will increase by 12% (from 48% to 60%).

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers' implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teachers' implementation strategies related to Shift 4: from show and tell to share and compare.
  • Strategy 3: Increase students' self-efficacy around the ability to be successful in mathematics.

Equitable Access and Opportunity

Outcome:By June 2024, Bailey’s Upper Elementary School of the Arts and Sciences will move up one level on the continuum in the 2 areas of Committed Professionals and Find/Identify as measured by the Implementation Rubric for Young Scholars.

  • Strategy 1: All third grade teachers will use Level IV curriculum materials to plan and differentiate instruction.
  • Strategy 2: All 3rd and 4th grade students will receive the E3 Mathematics curriculum.
  • Strategy 3: Advanced Academic curriculum resources will be used at all grade-levels in Science and Social Studies.

Beech Tree Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, 75% of students in grade 3 will pass the Reading SOL (unadjusted). The percentage of English Language Learners who pass will increase by 10% (to 52%).

  • Strategy 1: Expand use of conversation structures to increase academic talk and build relationships among students. 
  • Strategy 2: Increase interdisciplinary opportunities to build language and SEL skill development across content areas and throughout the school day. 
  • Strategy 3: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk.
  • Additional Learning Environment Strategy: Access to Rigor - Provide responsive instruction (supports and scaffolds) within rigorous Tier 1 learning opportunities.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, 75% of students in grades 3-5 will pass the Math SOL (unadjusted). The percentage of English Language Learners who pass will increase by 10% (to 53%).

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 2: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Additional Learning Environment Strategy: Access to Rigor - Provide responsive instruction (supports and scaffolds) within rigorous Tier 1 learning opportunities.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-24 school year, we will reduce our school’s chronic absenteeism rate to below 15% as evidenced by our school’s chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 3: Develop community partnerships to promote engagement opportunities for increased student attendance.

Belvedere Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students in grades 1-3 demonstrating expected screener within-year growth in Reading as measured by iReady will increase by at least 5 percentage points to 67% or more. 

  • Strategy 1: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. 
  • Strategy 2: Expand access to evidence-based tier 1 instruction as well as intervention for students demonstrating risk in a multi-tiered system of supports.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students demonstrating expected screener within-year growth in Mathematics as measured by iReady will increase by at least 5 percentage points to 66%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 2: Increase content knowledge for all teachers (advanced, general, special education)

Student Attendance and Absenteeism Rates

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we will reduce our school's absenteeism rate to below 15% as evidenced by our school's chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn. 
  • Strategy 3: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.

Portrait of a Graduate (POG)

Outcome:By June 2024, students will identify an approaches to learning skill (ATL) and grow at least one level in the area of claim of growth as measured by the POG POL student rubric.

  • Strategy 1: Each grade level (K-5) will give students' a choice of three ATL skills as a focus.
  • Strategy 2: At the end of grade level units of inquiry, students will reflect on claim of growth, share the evidence, and reflect.

Braddock Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, 79% of students, Grades 1-3, will demonstrate expected screener within-year growth in Reading as evidenced by iReady. This would reflect an increase in 10 percentage points from the 22-23 SY data (69%):

  • Grade 1: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 68% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch goal.
  • Grade 2: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 68% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch goal.
  • Grade 3: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 78% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch goal.
  • Strategy 1: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk.
  • Strategy 3: Improve daily, systematic, explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, 72% of students, Grades 1-5, will demonstrate expected screener within-year growth in Math as evidenced by iReady. This would reflect an increase in 10 percentage points from the 22-23 SY data (62%):

  • Grade 1: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 79% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch.
  • Grade 2: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 58% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch.
  • Grade 3: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 76% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch.
  • Grade 4: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 81% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch.
  • Grade 5: At the EOY 23-24 SY, 100% of students will make growth on their iReady Scale Score and 62% of students will make their typical growth goal and/or stretch.
  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 4: from show and tell to share and compare.
  • Strategy 2: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Additional Learning Environment Strategy :Cultivate a classroom culture of thinking by promoting curiosity, centered on student thinking, and planning for relevant and enriching learning experiences.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the current 2023-2024 school year, BES will have reduced our previous school year's chronic absenteeism rate by 10% from 25% to 15% as evidenced by our school’s Chronic Absenteeism Data.

  • Strategy 1: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.
  • Strategy 2: Understand root causes of student absenteeism. Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.

Bren Mar Park Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of ELL students demonstrating on-grade level reading ability will increase from 26% to 50% as measured by iReady assessment.

  • Strategy 1: Improve use of interactive read a louds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5)
  • Strategy 3: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of English Language Learners will meet Spring screening benchmark in math as measured by iReady, VMAS assessments will increase from 34% to 60%.

  • Strategy 1: Schedule ESOL teacher for regular push-in ELD instruction during math instructional time.
  • Strategy 2: Continue increasing implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 3: Increase consistent use of teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.

Wellness

Outcome:By June 2024, chronic absenteeism rates will decrease from 21.7% to no more than 16% as measured by student attendance data reports.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.
  • Strategy 3: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.

Camelot Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students in grade 3-6 demonstrating on-grade level reading will increase by at least 5 percentage points overall and for the Black, Economically Disadvantaged, English Learner, Hispanic and SWD subgroups as measured by the Spring SOL.

  • Strategy 1: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5)
  • Strategy 2: Increase impact of tier 2 interventions for students demonstrating risk by using FCPS-recommended programs and practices with fidelity (e.g., Lexia, UFLI). (HLP 5)
  • Strategy 3: Improve daily, systematic, explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block. (HLP 2)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students in grade 3-6 passing the SOL in math will increase by at least 5 percentage points overall and for the Black, Economically Disadvantaged, English Learner, Hispanic and SWD subgroups as measured by the Spring SOL.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 2: Increase systems of support during the school day, after school and summer to help students achieve success in mathematics.
  • Strategy 3: Schedule ESOL teacher push-in ELD instruction during math instructional time.

Wellness

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-24 school year, we will reduce our school’s chronic absenteeism rate to below 15% as evidenced by our school’s chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.

Columbia Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the percent of 3rd grade students with disabilities who pass the reading state assessment will increase by 10 percentage points as measured by the reading SOL/VAAP.

  • Strategy 1: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)
  • Strategy 2: Increase impact of tier 2 interventions for students demonstrating risk by using FCPS-recommended programs and practices with fidelity (e.g., Lexia, UFLI). (HLP 5)
  • Strategy 3: Expand access to evidence-based tier 1 instruction as well as intervention for students demonstrating risk in a multi-tiered system of supports. (HLP 1-5)

Mathematics

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year students with disabilities will improve by 10 percentage points as measured by the end of year Math SOL.

  • Strategy 1: Increase systems of support during the school day, after school and summer to help students achieve success in mathematics.
  • Strategy 2: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.

Portrait of a Graduate

Outcome:By the end of SY23-24, all students will demonstrate a 25% increase in understanding of reflection skills and a 25% increase in ability to demonstrate resilience during a difficult task as measured by a pre- and post-assessment.

  • Strategy 1: Classrooms will aim to achieve 100% of ST Math postcards by the end of 23-24 school year.
  • Strategy 2: Utilizing Lexia pre-test data, students will identify a number of weekly units to complete in order to meet EOY goals.
  • Strategy 3: Collaborative teams will align content knowledge and skills with POG attributes and skills. 

Glen Forest Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the number of first - third grade students demonstrating expected within year (typical annual) growth as measured by the iReady will increase by 10% (from 50% to 60%).

  • Strategy 1: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the number of students demonstrating expected within year growth as measured by the iReady will increase by 13% (from 47% to 60%).

  • Strategy 1: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 2: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 3: Targeted EMAS intervention will be provided for Kindergarten students who are below the Fall benchmark.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By June 2024, the chronic absenteeism rate at Glen Forest Elementary School will decrease from 24% to 15% as evidenced by our school's chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Develop community partnerships to promote engagement opportunities for increased student attendance.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.

Mantua Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of English Language Learners in grades 1-3 who are reading at grade level will grow by 7 percentage points, to 30%, as measured by iReady and Oral Reading Fluency.

  • Strategy 1: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. 
  • Strategy 2: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing).
  • Strategy 3: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. 

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of all students who make a year's growth based on iReady will increase by 5 percentage points, to 61%, as measured by the iReady screener.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers' implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking. 
  • Strategy 2: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.

Wellness

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students in grades 4 and 5 who answer favorably to the domain of relationship skills will increase by 5 percentage points.

  • Strategy 1: Teachers will implement Tier 1 SEL lessons during the school day.
  • Strategy 2: Clinical Team will implement Tier 2 SEL groups on a regular basis.
  • Strategy 3: Increase family engagement and partnership.

Mason Crest Elementary

Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, 75% all 3rd graders will demonstrate on grade level reading ability as measured by passing or passing advanced on the end of course Reading SOL or VAAP reading test.

  • Strategy 1: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3).
  • Strategy 2: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. (HLP 2, 5)
  • Strategy 3: Expand access to evidence-based tier 1 instruction as well as intervention for students demonstrating risk in a multi-tiered system of supports. (HLP 1-5)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, English Learners will improve from 49% to 60% passing as measured by the end of course Math SOL in Grades 3-5. (Approximately 20 students.

  • Strategy 1: Increase systems of support during the school day, after school and summer to help students achieve success in mathematics.
  • Strategy 2: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teachers’ implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-24 school year, we will reduce our school’s chronic absenteeism rate to below 15% as evidenced by our school’s chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students, and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.

North Springfield Elementary

Mathematics

Outcome:By June of 2024 the percentage of students passing the Math SOL (Grades 3,4,5) will increase from 58% to 75%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 4: from show and tell to share and compare.
  • Strategy 3: Increase students' self-efficacy around the ability to be successful in mathematics.

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June of 2024 the percentage of 3rd grade students passing the Reading SOL will increase from 66% to 75%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve daily, systematic, explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block. (HLP 2)
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5)
  • Strategy 3: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3)

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:We will decrease our absentee rate to 10% or less for the 2023-2024 school.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Develop community partnerships to promote engagement opportunities for increased student attendance.

Social and Emotional Learning

Outcome:Grades 3 -5 Tier 1 students will increase SEL scores in the area of coping and decision making to at or above the FCPS average growth when comparing the fall 2023-2024 and the spring 2023-2024 screeners by June 2024.

  • Strategy 1: SEL is currently embedded in daily routines and structures. In addition, teachers will implement lessons from the FCPS SEL curriculum weekly throughout the school year.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen our staff's knowledge of SEL and resources available to support mental health across our school community.
  • Strategy 3: Recognizing the connection between SEL competencies and digital citizenship, we will increase opportunities for students, staff, and families to learn how to support digital citizenship competencies.

Parklawn Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of all students demonstrating expected within-year growth in reading as measured by the iReady assessment will increase by at least 5 percentage points to 67%. By June 2024, the percentage of English learners demonstrating expected within-year growth in reading as measured by the iReady assessment will increase by at least 5 percentage points to 63%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase the impact of tier 2 interventions for students demonstrating risk by using FCPS-recommended programs and practices with fidelity (e.g., Lexia, UFLI). (HLP 5)
  • Strategy 2: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. (HLP 2, 5)
  • Strategy 3: Increase use of data (e.g., iReady, CORE, PASS, PRF, WIDA) to plan instruction and monitor progress for students demonstrating risk. (HLP 2-5)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of all students demonstrating expected within-year growth in math as measured by the iReady assessment will increase by at least 10 percentage points to 59%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 2: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 3: Increase systems of support during the school day, after school and summer to help students achieve success in mathematics.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome: Parklawn ES' chronic absenteeism rate will decrease from 20.5% (tier 2) to 14.9% (tier 1) by the end of the 2023-2024 school year as measured by our school's chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 2: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.

Sleepy Hollow Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome: By June 2024, 55% of students in grade K-5 will have met PALS, and iReady Spring benchmark, a 10% increase from 2023.

  • Strategy 1: Improve daily, systematic, xplicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, and morphology in the core language arts block. (HLP 2)
  • Strategy 2: Classroom teachers, reading specialists, R2 Title 1 Resource Specialist, Special Education teachers.
  • Strategy 3: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. (HLP 2, 5)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the SOL pass rate in Math for All students in grades 3-5 will increase from 61% (126/208) to 70% (140/208) for the metric annual pass rate for Mathematics.

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 4: from show and tell to share and compare.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of 2023-24 school year the student absenteeism rate at Sleepy Hollow will decrease from 23% to 14% (9% decrease) within the current academic year, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to benefit from consistent and uninterrupted education.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Understand root causes of student absenteeism. Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.

Timber Lane Elementary

Reading

Outcome:By Spring 2024, the percent of English Learners grades 1-3 demonstrating progress in language acquisition will increase by 5 percentage points, as measured by the WIDA, from 29% to 34%.

  • Strategy 1: Expand access to evidence-based tier 1 instruction as well as intervention for students demonstrating risk in a multi-tiered system of supports. 
  • Strategy 2: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing).
  • Strategy 3: Increase use of WIDA tools and rubrics to support language development.

Mathematics

Outcome:By Spring 2024, increase unadjusted pass rate on the math SOLs to at least 70%; our Economically Disadvantaged students passing the Math SOL will increase from 56% to 61%; English Learners passing the Math SOL will increase from 39% to 44%; Students with Disabilities passing the Math SOL will increase from 42% to 47%; and Hispanic students passing the Math SOL will increase from 53% to 58%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.

Academic Growth & Excellence

Outcome:By Spring 2024, unadjusted science SOL scores will increase to at least 64%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase opportunities for students to develop and apply disciplinary literacy skills of reading, writing, critical thinking, and discourse across content areas. This will be monitored during weekly grade level CLTs, interdisciplinary CLTs, leadership meetings and weekly coaches' meetings.
  • Strategy 2: Expand the type and frequency of formative and summative assessments to evaluate progress throughout units.
  • Strategy 3: Expand opportunities to meaningfully integrate science in and across content areas to include literacy skills, mathematical skills, and global context.

Outcome:By spring 2024, all students in grades K-6 will complete a POG Presentation of Learning in which they reflect on 2 POG attributes and will be scored using the Rubi rubric.

  • Strategy 1: School leaders and/or teachers enact structural choices (ex: occasional designated times or modified schedules; portfolio format/type) that support evidence collection. This results in students having a dedicated location to store evidence of their learning aligned to POG skills.
  • Strategy 2: Teachers will design and facilitate inquiry-based opportunities that elevate student voice and increase student engagement.

Westlawn Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:By the end of SY 23-24, 100% students in grades 1-6 will meet their within-year growth target on iReady Reading and 50% or greater of students in grades 1-6 will meet their stretch growth target on iReady Reading.

  • Strategy 1: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 2: Expand use of conversation structures to increase academic talk and build relationships among students. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 3: Increase use of WIDA tools and rubrics to support language development. (HLP 1-4).

Mathematics

Outcome:By the end of SY 23-24, 100% students in grades 1-6 will meet their within-year growth target on iReady Math and 64% or greater of students in grades 1-6 will meet their stretch growth target on iReady Math.

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.
  • Strategy 2: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:The number of students who are chronically absent for the 23-24 school year will decrease to less than 10%.

  • Strategy 1: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.

School Selected Strategies

Outcome:By June 2026, in an effort to increase student access to instruction, behavior referrals will reduce by 50% as measured by the referral database.

  • Strategy 1: Teachers will consistently implement Responsive Classroom structures to positively impact student social and emotional learning.
  • Strategy 2: Install schoolwide systems to ensure a student learning environment within which children feel a sense of belonging, significance, and fun.

Weyanoke Elementary

Mathematics

Outcome: By the end of SY 23-24 60% of all students will demonstrate expected screener within-year growth in math (iReady).

  • Strategy 1: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 4: from show and tell to share and compare.
  • Strategy 2: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.

Reading by 3rd Grade

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students who are English Learners, grades 1-3, demonstrating expected screener within-year growth in Reading will increase by at least 6 percentage points as measured by Spring iReady.

  • Strategy 1: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)
  • Strategy 2: Increase use of WIDA tools and rubrics to support language development. (HLP 1-4)
  • Strategy 3: Expand use of skills-based grouping to ensure students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills. (HLP 2, 5)

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we will reduce our school's chronic absenteeism rate to below 15% as evidenced by our school's chronic absenteeism data.

  • Strategy 1: Increase opportunities for personalized early attendance outreach.
  • Strategy 2: Use Talking Points as a way for EL families to report student absences.
  • Strategy 3: Understand root causes of student absenteeism.  Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.

Woodburn Elementary

English Language Arts

Outcome:Ensure students are making sufficient progress to be on grade level in English Language Arts. By June 2024, the percentage of grades 1-3 students who demonstrate progress in language acquisition, as measured by WIDA, will increase by at least 10 percentage points. (From 46% in 2023 to ≥56% in 2024)

  • Strategy 1: Improve use of interactive read alouds for building knowledge and vocabulary through texts that affirm students' lived experiences. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 2: Increase interdisciplinary opportunities to build language and SEL skill development across content areas and throughout the school day. (HLP 1, 3)
  • Strategy 3: Increase intentional use of scaffolds, supports and extensions in whole group settings (word recognition, language comprehension and writing). (HLP 2-4)

Mathematics

Outcome:By June of 2024, the percentage of English Language Learners in grades 1-6 meeting expectations in the iReady "Numbers and Operations" domain will increase by 10%.

  • Strategy 1: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teachers implementation strategies related to Shift 8: from looking for correct answers towards revealing student thinking.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By June 2024, our chronic abseenteism rate will decrease from 18.7% to below 15% as measured by district dashboard.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
Middle Schools

Glasgow Middle School

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students who did not pass the Reading SOL and demonstrated growth, will increase by 25% ( this is an increase from 24% to 49% growth) By June 2024, the percentage of students who pass the Reading SOL will increase from 54% to 75%. By June 2024, the percentage of special education students who pass the Reading SOL will increase 10% or from 29% to 40%. The SOA pass rate for SWD will increase 7% from 32.89% to 39.6%.

  • Strategy 1: Effective use of the engagement model as a structure for student learning.
  • Strategy 2: Increase the frequency of formative integrated reading and writing tasks (i.e. reading responses, annotations).
  • Strategy 3: Plan and implement a Reading Boot camp specifically for special education students who scored 350-399 on the 2023 Reading SOL.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the number of students who are taking Algebra for the 2024-2025 school year will increase by 10% from 41% to 51%. This would be increasing the enrollment by about 55 students. By June 2024, the overall SOL scores of students with disabilities  in math 6 and math 7 will increase by 15%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of the Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 2: Increase school communication about open enrollment to ensure all school staff (including elementary schools) communicate a shared message around open enrollment and mathematics course pathways.
  • Strategy 3: Improve academic advising processes to encourage students to open enroll in Math 7 Honors or Algebra 1/H.

Science

Outcome:ELL pass rate will increase from 8% to 18%. Pass rate for all students will increase by 10% as measured by the Science 8 SOL.

  • Strategy 1: Increase opportunities for students to develop and apply disciplinary literacy skills of reading, writing, critical thinking, and discourse.
  • Strategy 2: Develop tier 3 vocabulary through explicit vocabulary instruction and small group lessons.
  • Strategy 3: Expand the type and frequency of formative assessments to evaluate progress throughout units.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we will lower chronic absenteeism from 24.6 (Level 3) to 20% (Level 2).

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Develop community partnerships to promote engagement opportunities for increased student attendance.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.

School Selected Strategies

Outcome:By the end of 2023-2024 school year, our school will utilize Responsive Advisory Meetings (RAM) and restorative practices effectively to create a caring and empathetic school culture, increasing schoolwide scores on the Supports and Environment Domain of the SEL screener by 5%; from 54% (Spring 0f 2023) to 59% (average middle school Score in FCPS).

  • Strategy 1: Partner with teacher leaders to develop Responsive Advisory Meeting (RAM) lessons aligned to VDOE SEL standards and deliver those lessons schoolwide with fidelity.
  • Strategy 2: Implement the Restorative School Project.
  • Strategy 3: Conduct Tier 2 Restorative Practices Attendance or Tardy Circles twice a year with progress monitoring.

Holmes Middle School

Math Gap

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students with disabilities passing the math SOL will increase from 26% to 47%.By June of 2024 the percentage of all students passing the Science 8 SOL will increase from 58% (unadjusted) to 68% (unadjusted), reflecting a 10% increase. 

  • Strategy 1: Increase systems of support during the school day to help students achieve success in mathematics.
  • Strategy 2: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 3: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.

Algebra

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of ELs who will reach proficiency on the Spring 2024 benchmark assessment (MI) will raise from 7% (2023) to 17% (2024).

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of the Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction. 
  • Strategy 2: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.
  • Strategy 3: Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.

Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students with disabilities passing the Reading 6- 8 SOL will increase from 32% (68/211 students in 2022-23) unadjusted to 37% (a minimum of 63/169 students 2023-2024) unadjusted (reflecting a growth of 5%). 

  • Strategy 1: Utilize small groups and intervention to increase opportunities for students who need more practice to master standards.
  • Strategy 2: Increase the frequency of formative integrated reading and writing tasks (i.e. reading responses, annotations).
  • Strategy 3: Increase the frequency of formative integrated reading and writing tasks (i.e. reading responses, annotations).

Science

Outcome:By June of 2024 the percentage of all students passing the Science 8 SOL will increase from 58% (unadjusted) to 68% (unadjusted), reflecting a 10% increase. 

  • Strategy 1: Increase frequency of student learning experiences that are inquiry-based and hands-on.
  • Strategy 2: Increase opportunities to develop tier 3 vocabulary through inquiry-based learning, followed by explicit instruction.
  • Strategy 3: Increase opportunities for students to develop and apply disciplinary literacy skills of reading, writing, critical thinking, and discourse.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By June of 2024 the percentage of all students passing the Science 8 SOL will increase from 58% (unadjusted) to 68% (unadjusted), reflecting a 10% increase.  

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn. 
  • Strategy 3: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community. 

IBMYP

Outcome:By June 2024, all students will make progress on IB rubrics in each subject area: By at least 2 points (if BOY is below a 5); By at least 1 point (if BOY is above a 5).

  • Strategy 1: Establish foundation of IB Learner Profiles and ATL Skills.
  • Strategy 2: Assessment with IB Rubrics.
  • Strategy 3: Educators will create a student-centered learning environment using the MYP Unit Planners in collaborative teams and through professional learning and inquiry.

Jackson Middle School

English Language Arts

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students meeting Spring RI benchmark of proficient or above will increase by at least 5 percentage points (to 58% for all students, 26% for SPED students, and 10% for EL students).

  • Strategy 1: Increase the frequency of formative integrated reading and writing tasks (i.e. reading responses, annotations).
  • Strategy 2: Increase the frequency of formative and summative assessments that include integrated reading and writing tasks.
  • Strategy 3: Increase explicit teaching of writing and grammar.
  • Strategy 4: Engage students in co-constructing ways to foster positive relationships.

Mathematics

Outcome:By June 2024, the percentage of students passing the mathematics SOL will increase by at least 10 percentage points (to 72% for all students, 37% for SPED students, and 28% for EL students).

  • Strategy 1: Improve teachers’ implementation of the Framework for Engaging & Student-Centered Mathematics Instruction.
  • Strategy 2: Utilize small groups and intervention to increase opportunities for students who need more practice to master standards.
  • Strategy 3: Increase teacher implementation of explicit instruction and other components of effective mathematics intervention.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By June 12, 2024 the number of students deemed chronically absent at Jackson MS will decrease by at least 5 percentage points for the 2023-2024 school year, as compared to the 2022-2023 school year which ended with 19.9 % chronic absenteeism. Therefore, our goal is that no more than 14% of Luther Jackson Middle School's students will be chronically absent for 2023-2024 school year. We were projected to be at 22% chronic absenteeism at the end of 2022-2023, and ended the 2022-2023 school year at 19.9% chronic absenteeism.

  • Strategy 1: Conduct check-ins with at-risk students.
  • Strategy 2: Target Tier 2 Connections with Families and Students.
  • Strategy 3: Partner with teachers and parents about importance of school attendance and to encourage attendance for at-risk students.

Poe Middle School

Accreditation

Outcome: Poe will achieve full accreditation by June 2024. Specific areas of focus are Science, Mathematics Special Education, and Language Arts Special Education performance.

  • Strategy 1: Relevance – Explore and use various resources and supports to develop and implement culturally relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Communication – Use conversation structures to increase academic talk between students.
  • Strategy 3: Assessment – Utilize a variety of formative and summative assessments which align to the intended rigor of the essential standards.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome: By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Poe staff will utilize Tier 1 programming and targeted interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism from 26% in the 22-23 school year to 19% or lower.

  • Strategy 1: Structures – Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Root Causes – Understand root causes of student absenteeism. Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.
  • Strategy 3: Family Partnerships – Strengthen messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school.
High Schools

Annandale High School

HS Performance in Coursework

Outcome:At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, students served through special education annual pass rate on the Reading, Math and Science SOL will increase to 52% from 42%, and ELs annual pass rate will increase to 45% from the current rate of 35%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Increase student course success through Tier 2 interventions.
  • Strategy 3: Expand culture of shared responsibility where collaborative teams ensure the learning of every student.

HS Progression to Advanced Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of ELs demonstrating language acquisition growth according to VDOE growth measures will increase from 48% to at least 58%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Ensure that ELs are enrolled in grade level courses with non-EL peers.

Dropout Rate

Outcome:For the 2024 cohort, the dropout rate will decrease to 3.9%, a 5% reduction from the 2023 cohort rate of 8.9%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase the collective responsibility of ALL staff in supporting school-wide On-Time Graduation efforts (i.e. PD around mindset, cultivating belonging, positive interactions with students).
  • Strategy 2: Educate students, families, staff and community around various pathways to graduation and completion and post-secondary options (for example, alternate diploma and completion options, alternate sites, available base-school adjustments, GED, etc.).
  • Strategy 3: Designate and optimize a graduation team focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of graduation requirements with high frequency.

Rate of Discipline Disproportionality

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Annandale High School will reduce discipline disproportionality for students who are English Learners from high (3.82) to moderate (2.82) as evidenced by 2023-24 discipline data.

  • Strategy 1: Establish a positive and affirming schoolwide and classroom culture conducive to student engagement.
  • Strategy 2: Utilize an MTSS framework to establish and organize a schoolwide continuum of proactive behavior and wellness supports.
  • Strategy 3: Implement required Tier 1 SEL and PBIS practices using time protected by the master schedule and lesson plan expectations.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of SY23-24, our chronic absenteeism rate will be at or below 19%, a five percentage point reduction from the 2022-23 rate of 24%.

  • Strategy 1: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Develop community partnerships to promote engagement opportunities for increased student attendance.

College, Career, and Civic Readiness Index (CCRI)

Outcome:Annandale will increase from 61% CCRI rate to 71% by the end of the 23-24 school year.

  • Strategy 1: Carefully review academic records and cumulative updates for newly-enrolled students to gain CCCRI experiences (i.e. academic advising for AP/IB/DE, HQWBL, CTE completer and credential, Service Learning).
  • Strategy 2: Embed HQWBL and Service Learning Experiences into content courses and ensure teachers have training for capturing those experiences in the gradebook.
  • Strategy 3: Designate and optimize a CCCRI team (can be combined with the graduation team) focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of CCCRI and graduation requirements with high frequency.

Edison High School

Growth and Performance in Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 SY, students with disabilities and English Learners will increase their annual pass rate within English, Math, and Science SOLs by 10%. 

  • Strategy 1: Expand the use of accessible assessments based on students' individual needs.
  • Strategy 2: Expand a culture of shared responsibility where collaborative teams ensure the learning for every student.
  • Strategy 3: Strengthen differentiation by designing and implementing effective scaffolds.

Evidence of Progression Towards or Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 SY, the success rate (final grade of C- or above) in advanced courses of SWD and English Language Learners will increase by 10% within those individual subgroups.

  • Strategy 1: Increase instruction that focuses on student growth rather than meeting minimal proficiency standards.
  • Strategy 2: Ensure that English Language Learners (EL) are enrolled in grade-level courses with non-EL peers.
  • Strategy 3: Monitor student data and use data to determine the need for intervention and additional support.

Chronic Absenteeism

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Edison's chronic absenteeism rate will improve from 20.9% to 17% by the end of the school year.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school.  Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving, and self-regulation, all of which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 3: Use Talking Points as a way for EL families to report student absences.

Falls Church High School

Growth and Performance in Coursework

Outcome:By the end of SY 23-24, 100% of students (Grade 9-12) will have earned sufficient cumulative credit to advance to the next grade level.

  • Strategy 1: Increase student course success through Tier 2 interventions.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.

Evidence of Progression Towards or Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Falls Church High School will increase student success in honors courses by 20% based on last year's results (an increase of 9.6% overall from 48% to 57.6%). Additionally, students in the English Language Learner or Special Education cohort will increase success in honors courses by at least 20% at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

  • Strategy 1: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase enrollment in AVID (and/or other CSP programs) at participating schools.

Students on Track for Graduation at the End of 9th Grade

Outcome:In 2023, the dropout rate was 10.6%. We will reach the goal of 6% (minimum 9%).

  • Strategy 1: Designate and optimize a graduation team focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of graduation requirements with high frequency.
  • Strategy 2: Ensure that communication to EL families is in a language and form they can understand.
  • Strategy 3: Develop transition program with tiered supports for newly-enrolled students (i.e. mentor programs, student and family education).

Student Attendance and Absenteeism Rates

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Falls Church High School will reduce chronic absenteeism from 23.7% to 15%.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Strengthening messaging to staff, students and families around attendance to school. Each stakeholder should be able to understand how daily attendance matters, not only for academic success, but because school offers an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.
  • Strategy 3: Understand root causes of student absenteeism. Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.

Disciplinary Disproportionality and Recidivism

Outcome:By the end of SY 23-24, the risk ratio for all sub groups will be less than 2.0.

  • Strategy 1: Utilize an MTSS framework to establish and organize a schoolwide continuum of proactive behavior and wellness supports.
  • Strategy 2: Ensure all adults have the professional knowledge and capacity to value diversity, promote inclusion, and utilize culturally responsive practices.
  • Strategy 3: Integrate consistent analysis of discipline data disaggregated by subgroups (race/ethnicity, SWD, EL, FRM).

Growth and Performance on State/National/International Assessments in Math

Outcome:70% of students with disabilities (unadjusted) will score pass or pass advanced on the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen Tier 1 instructional and intervention practices to best support foundational gaps in Algebra 1 standards.
  • Strategy 2: Intensive 1-1 tutoring & Small group tutoring.
  • Strategy 3: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 teachers will use standards-based grading to better communicate student performance and to better identify areas of strength and needs with the curriculum.

College, Career and Civic Readiness Index (CCCRI)

Outcome:By June 2024, the 2024 cohort will have a CCCRI calculated rate of 84.5%

  • Strategy 1: Increase the collective responsibility of ALL staff in supporting school-wide On-Time Graduation and Academic and Career Planning efforts to include CCCRI (i.e. PD around mindset, cultivating belonging, positive interactions with students).
  • Strategy 2: Carefully review academic records and cumulative updates for newly-enrolled students to gain CCCRI experiences (i.e. academic advising for AP/IB/DE, HQWBL, CTE completer and credential, Service Learning).
  • Strategy 3: Designate and optimize a CCCRI team (can be combined with the graduation team) focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of CCCRI and graduation requirements with high frequency.

Justice High School

Growth & Performance in Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the SY2023-24, 100% of students at Justice will demonstrate increased proficiency in Tier 1 Instruction as measured by teachers ensuring access, engagement, and high expectations for all students. Proficiency Goal:70% of students with disabilities will score pass/advanced on the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment and 90% of economically disadvantaged students will score pass/advanced on the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment. Growth to Proficiency Goal: 100% of students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students will meet their growth target on Math Inventory. 

  • Strategy 1: Expand culture of shared responsibility where collaborative teams ensure the learning of every student.
  • Strategy 2: Expand learning that fosters student voice and choice to support student growth and agency.
  • Strategy 3: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.

Evidence of Progression Towards or Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the SY 2023-2024, 100% of students at Justice will have succeeded in 1 or more AP/IB/DE or other 1.0 weighted course or earning CTE finisher status by the end of high school.

  • Strategy 1: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Expand learning that fosters student voice and choice to support student growth and agency.

Students on Track for Graduation at the end of 9th Grade

Outcome:By the end of the SY 2023-24, our dropout rate for the Cohort Year of 2024 will be at or below 9%.  

  • Strategy 1: Designate and optimize a graduation team focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of graduation requirements with high frequency.
  • Strategy 2: Identify and support seniors in need of tier 3 supports or interventions so they can successfully earn a passing grade in courses and or earn verified credits needed for graduation.
  • Strategy 3: Increase outreach to students in the 2024 graduating cohort who are listed as potential dropouts and/or those who have indicated that they would like to dropout of school.

Student Attendance & Absenteeism Rates

Outcome:By the end of the SY 2023-24, our Chronic Absenteeism rate will be at or below 20%.

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen school team practices to monitor attendance data and determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 2: Understand root causes of student absenteeism. Strengthen programmatic responses to attendance barriers.
  • Strategy 3: Create a school culture of engagement & belonging for students and families. Every staff, student, and family will feel safe and connected to the school community.

College, Career & Civic Readiness Index (CCCRI)

Outcome:By June 2024, the 2024 cohort will have a CCCRI calculated rate of 84.5%.

  • Strategy 1: Increase the collective responsibility of ALL staff in supporting school-wide On-Time Graduation and Academic and Career Planning efforts to include CCCRI (i.e. PD around mindset, cultivating belonging, positive interactions with students).
  • Strategy 2: Designate and optimize a CCCRI team (can be combined with the graduation team) focused on analyzing, tracking, and monitoring student data relating to students' successful progress and completion of CCCRI and graduation requirements with high frequency.

Thomas Jefferson HSST

Growth and Performance in Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 100% of 9th grade students scoring below proficient on the initial Math Inventory will demonstrate proficiency on the end of year Math Inventory assessment. 

  • Strategy 1: Expand culture of shared responsibility where collaborative teams ensure the learning of every student.
  • Strategy 2: Increase student course success through Tier 2 interventions.

Successful Completion of Advanced Coursework

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, all students who have grades lower than a B in ELA classes at first quarter will improve by at least one grade level (i.e. C+ to B-). 

  • Strategy 1: Increase development of literacy skills and habits of mind across disciplines.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Expand learning that fosters student voice and choice to support student growth and agency.

Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 100% of students will indicate that they experience TJHSST to be a positive school climate with an academically-focused culture, which includes peer-to-peer trust and teacher-student trust.

  • Strategy 1: Increase student awareness and understanding of Academic Integrity.
  • Strategy 2: Engage staff in cultivating an academically-focused culture that fosters teacher-student trust.

Woodson High School

Special Education Mathematics

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Woodson High School students with disabilities (SOL takers) will increase the annual SOA pass rate from 70% to 75% for math (SOL takers).

  • Strategy 1: Strengthen differentiation by designing and implementing effective scaffolds.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase student course success through Tier 2 interventions.

ESOL Access and Opportunity

Outcome:By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 90% of the Woodson High School English Learners with LEP level 1-4 enrolled in advanced courses (HN, AP, DE) will succeed in the course with a C- or higher grade.  In addition, the percentage of students with LEP level 1-4 enrolled in an advanced course for the 2024-2025 school year will increase from 25% to 30%.

  • Strategy 1: Improve student engagement through consistent rigorous and relevant learning experiences.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor student data and use data to determine need for intervention and additional support.
  • Strategy 3: Increase instruction that focuses on student growth rather than meeting minimal proficiency standards.

Portrait of a Graduate Presentation of Learning (POGPOL)

Outcome:By the end of SY23-24, students will participate in POG POL through advisory, with scores entered into RUBI.

  • Strategy 1: Expand opportunities for students to regularly learn about, apply, and reflect on POG skills aligned with course content.
  • Strategy 2: Students will create a portfolio of POG artifacts in Schoology.
  • Strategy 3: Students will complete self reflections quarterly in their advisory classes and POG POL rubrics will be entered in RUBI at the end of the year.

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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1083  | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064,  [email protected]

28 minutes 44 seconds ago
Mason District Member - Ricardy Anderson - Recent Updates
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