Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS,

What a beautiful September weekend we have enjoyed and what interesting and exciting times we are experiencing in our many and varied schools and departments. We are truly well connected and making a difference for tens of thousands – transforming the future in so many ways... Learning happens best in community and our community continues to show up in so many ways for each and every one of our students.  “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” — Emily Dickinson.  Thank you one and all for everything you do each and every day, it matters!!

Starting with some good news, Resource Teacher Payal Herendeen has been selected as the 2025 Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists (VACMS) Robert Q. Berry, III Equity Award recipient — one of the most prestigious honors the organization bestows! The Equity Award is presented to a Virginia mathematics education leader who has catalyzed change in the teaching and learning of mathematics by centering their leadership on equity. It honors Dr. Robert Berry’s more than 20 years of service in driving math education changes in Virginia. Dr. Berry’s work illuminated how mathematics education can empower historically marginalized students, emphasizing the importance of understanding students’ experiences, enacting equitable teaching practices, and leveraging mathematics as a tool for social justice. The selection committee chose Payal for this award because of her deep self-reflection, her commitment to breaking down barriers for students, and her ability to draw on her own lived experiences to shape equitable teaching and coaching practices. Payal’s work is not only transforming her own classrooms and partnerships with teachers, but also modeling for others how to center students’ identities, voices, and brilliance in mathematics learning.

On another positive note, Mathematics Specialist Lynne Bursch has been selected as the 2025 VACMS Virginia Mathematics Leadership Award recipient — an extraordinary recognition of her impact on mathematics teaching and learning in Virginia. The Virginia Mathematics Leadership Award recognizes an innovative leader who drives instructional change and upholds the vision of the founders and key VACMS changemakers. This award honors individuals who champion high-quality mathematics instruction; step up as leaders in their schools, divisions, and across the state; advocate for the role of math specialists; and elevate the professionalism of mathematics educators. It celebrates those who not only lead in their own districts but also contribute to the broader mathematics education community, ensuring that all students and educators have access to meaningful and transformative mathematical experiences. Congratulations, Payal and Lynne! Go Team FCPS!!

This past week, I was delighted to join families and staff at Colvin Run Elementary School on Tuesday, and Waynewood Elementary School on Friday, for their Back to School events. At Colvin Run and Waynewood, I was inspired by families’ excitement and spirit of community as they explored the classrooms and learning spaces their children engage in every day. These visits reflected what makes FCPS so special — our shared commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every student.  Go Dragons!! Go Owls!! 

On Tuesday morning, after a beautiful long weekend, I had the privilege of visiting Langston Hughes Middle School alongside Principal Herman Mizell. My timing could not have been better; I arrived just in time to observe the school’s impressive three-minute class transition. This practice is about ensuring that every minute of instructional time is protected for students. These Panthers were fast and ready to pounce on their next subject! I also had the chance to visit several classrooms where high-quality teaching and engaged learning were on full display.

In Poketha Ruffin’s civics class, students were working on an assignment called “Lunchroom Fight,” where they analyzed multiple eyewitness accounts of the same event, identified bias, and prepared a summative report. As students stepped into the role of a principal to determine appropriate consequences, they had the opportunity to build their critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a real-world application. And maybe get a taste of the hard work our school administrators do ;>)

In Jocelynne Jimenez-Rodriguez’ orchestra class, students participated in a creative warm-up exercise that blended music and reflection. They responded to conversational prompts about their weekend with short musical improvisations — an engaging way to reconnect after the break, build community, and prepare for rehearsal.

In an English multilingual 8 co-taught class led by Jacqueline Durr and Melanie Witt, students practiced TTQA (“turn the question around”) to craft text-based written responses, reviewed figurative language through a collaborative game, and worked with action verbs to strengthen sentence structure. Each activity was purposeful, interactive, and designed to support language growth and academic confidence. Go Panthers!!

My next stop was Aldrin Elementary School, where I was greeted by Principal Shane Wolfe, Assistant Principal Barbara Gist, and four enthusiastic 6th-grade student leaders. Our first stop was in Ellen Keyser’s Kindergarten classroom, where I observed a joyful and engaging Morning Meeting. The visit also coincided with the debut of Aldrin’s new student-run news studio, which brought a visually exciting and interactive approach to morning announcements. The students’ excitement and ownership of this project were inspiring! And I can say with confidence this will inspire future journalists – exactly the kind of future-ready learning we do here at FCPS!

I then joined the sixth-grade leaders in a classroom to see co-teaching in action. Amanda Lee and Megan McElrath were strengthening literacy skills by delivering a cohesive Benchmark lesson on root words, guiding students through vocabulary exploration while modeling the power of collaboration between general and special education teachers. It was a clear example of how co-teaching expands opportunities for individualized instruction and ensures that every student benefits from multiple areas of expertise. Go Team FCPS!!

The visit concluded with STEAM Teacher Kevin Curtis, who shared program highlights and future goals, from continuing the successful Trout Release and composting programs to launching a new “Share Table” in the cafeteria that reduces food waste while supporting community needs. My time at Aldrin Elementary showcased the school’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. It was a morning filled with promise and momentum, and I left deeply encouraged by the dedication of staff and the leadership of students. Go Eagles!!

My final stop on Tuesday morning was to Dranesville Elementary, led by Principal Jamie Gadley, where I was immediately struck by the strong start in classrooms and throughout the school. My tour began with a warm welcome from Robert, a sixth-grade student ambassador who escorted me to the newly renovated Phase 1 building. The lobby was bright, welcoming, and filled with a visible sense of joy.

I observed a second-grade Collaborative Team meeting where teachers were unpacking Benchmark Unit 1 and Addition and Subtraction Part 1. The team thoughtfully worked through a math task that will be used to launch the unit with students. As they engaged in the task, they reflected on the variety of strategies that second-graders might use, and discussed the importance of having students share, ask questions, and make connections between those strategies. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates a strong commitment to student understanding and the unique learning needs of each student. 

This focus on clear, student-centered learning was also evident in Lisa Comeau's first-grade class. She was teaching her students a specific classroom routine using a post-it note as a tool to hold their place in their Benchmark handwriting notebooks. While the students were practicing, one first-grader enthusiastically made a powerful connection, sharing, "That's also called a bookmark! It's for keeping your place in a book!"

This moment highlighted the effectiveness of teaching routines as tools that students can understand and then adapt to other contexts. It's a powerful example of how purposeful routines empower students to take ownership of their learning. The impact of high energy and engagement in the classroom are reflected in the numbers: on Tuesday, an impressive 98% of students in grades K-6 at Dranesville were in school connecting and learning. This is a clear sign that students and families feel safe, supported, and motivated to be a part of this joyful learning community. I appreciate Ms. Comeau's first-grade class and their thank you for a great visit. Go Dragons!!

My final stop on Tuesday was to Oakton High School to watch their boys volleyball team play Herndon High School. The match was a celebration of school spirit, with both teams demonstrating hard work, resilience, and camaraderie on the court. Families, friends, and classmates filled the stands, creating a supportive atmosphere that highlighted the powerful role athletics play in uniting our school communities and showcasing student talent beyond the classroom. Go Cougars!! Go Hornets!!

Early on Wednesday morning, I attended a Rotary Club meeting at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon. We had a great discussion about how FCPS drives the engine of Fairfax County’s economy, the ways in which businesses can partner with us, and the upcoming school bond election. I truly appreciated the chance to connect with community members in such a welcoming setting and to share in a thoughtful conversation about the future of our schools. Moments like this remind me how deeply our community cares about supporting students and working together to help our students succeed. Together, anything is possible!! 

On Wednesday afternoon, we held the first meeting of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee for 2e ( Twice-Exceptional ) Programming for the 2025-26 school year at Gatehouse Administration Center. During the meeting we reviewed the group’s working agreements, last year’s accomplishments, and this year’s drivers, objectives, and key tasks. Together, we are building stronger support for every student, and I’m grateful for this collaboration that makes such a meaningful difference! Student academic inclusion and engagement are part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered .

On Wednesday night, we held a meeting of the  Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee .  Key takeaways from the meeting are available on the FCPS website, including  materials that were shared with the committee . We reviewed current FCPS programs and how past boundary changes have affected them, along with possible next steps. Updates were shared on transportation and how close students live to their schools, with plans for a deeper driving distance study. The consultant explained key findings from advisory committee feedback and showed a new tool to help measure the effects of boundary changes. In small groups, participants talked through top priorities and agreed on next steps, such as finishing the transportation study and suggesting new boundary changes. The next Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee meeting will be held in October. More details to come!

On Thursday morning, I joined Wakefield Forest Elementary School Principal Sharyn Prindle, student leaders, and community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting for their beautiful, newly renovated building! Their school is now home to a new library, music room, expanded cafeteria and additional classrooms. As Principal Prindle shared, the entire Wolfpack can attend school under the same roof for the first time in roughly 20 years — wow! “There is so much power in being together, what a difference it makes to have everyone in one place!,” Principal Prindle said. All of this was made possible through the passage of bond referendums. We are so grateful to Fairfax County voters for supporting our schools to make these kinds of improvements possible! Go Wolves!!

Also Thursday, I had the privilege of honoring Kylee West, a fifth-grade teacher at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences, as the newest recipient of the FCPS CARES of the Quarter Award, which includes a check for $500 from our sponsor Cigna. The FCPS CARES program gives parents, staff, and community members the opportunity to recognize employees who make a profound impact on our schools. For the past nine years, the FCPS CARES of the Month program has highlighted exceptional nominations from across the six FCPS Regions and central office departments. Last year, in partnership with Educate Fairfax, the program expanded to include FCPS CARES of the Quarter, shining an even brighter light on the incredible stories of our employees and their contributions.

Kylee exemplifies the spirit of this award through her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and commitment to children, families, and the community. You can read more about her selfless generosity on the  FCPS CARES webpage , as well as see the moment  she received her award in this video .

By celebrating educators like Kylee, we reaffirm the profound impact of their work and the lasting difference they make in students’ lives. Their dedication and passion are what make FCPS strong – this work truly matters. Congratulations, Kylee! Having a diverse, adaptive, and supported workforce is  Pillar C of the  2023-30 Strategic Plan . 

On Thursday evening, we held the 2025-26 kickoff meeting for the Family Vision Group at Lewis High School. The Family Vision Group helps strengthen communication between home and school, with representatives from nearly all of our schools. Our discussions are opportunities for learning and growth, where every voice is valued and every perspective enriches our collective knowledge. We talked about what’s new for this school year and shared updates on the strategic plan. Thank you to everyone who joined me and contributed your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Parents are important partners for FCPS, and we are grateful for the collaboration on how we can all help our students succeed in the classroom and beyond!!

On Friday morning, I joined Prince George’s County Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph on WAMU’s  ”The Politics Hour with Kojo Namdi” to discuss the start of the school year. Our conversation covered student safety, cell phone policies, and concerns over immigration enforcement. I also discussed the lawsuit we have filed against the U.S. Department of Education to prevent the agency from freezing federal funding due to our gender policies. If you have time, I encourage you to give the episode a listen for richer insights on some of the most pressing issues confronting FCPS and public education.

Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the varsity football game between Lake Braddock Secondary School and Madison High School. It was a wonderful early fall evening and the energy and school spirit on display from both communities was inspiring, with students, families, and staff all cheering proudly. At halftime, the Lake Braddock dance team gave a dynamic and polished performance that showcased their talent and teamwork. It was a wonderful reminder of the many ways our students shine both on and off the field. It was also great to connect with the LBSS DECA Club participants and appreciate all their efforts. Go Bruins!! Go Warhawks!!

On Saturday morning I attended the 2025 Bernardo de Gálvez Essay Contest Awards Ceremony at the Spanish Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Ambassador from Spain Ángeles Moreno Bau. The contest was created by Langley High School senior Ryan Minton, president of the school’s World Affairs Club. The contest celebrates the enduring legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez, a fearless strategist, statesman, and ally who helped secure American independence and whose example continues to inspire transatlantic partnerships today.

A total of 71 students took part in the contest, forming the founding cohort of an initiative that now stands as a model for future engagement. These students all received the Pioneer Award in recognition of their role in launching this effort. Within this remarkable group, six students also earned Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors at the middle and high school levels.  A complete list of winners and essayists is available online . This contest is another powerful example of how we prepare FCPS students to become global citizens. Congratulations to all the winners! 

Later Saturday morning I stopped by Timber Lane Elementary School for its 70th anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the school’s rich history and the many generations of students, staff, and families who have helped shape its story. A representative from Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia A. Palchik also presented a proclamation recognizing the school’s legacy – codifying Timber Lane as an official thread in the fabric that is our Fairfax County community. It was a joy to see the pride and excitement of the Timber Lane community as they honored the past and looked forward to the future. Go Tigers!!

After a successful soft launch last month, I’m thrilled to share that our new division-wide calendaring tool, Tandem, is officially live! You’ll find it on FCPS’  homepage , the  Calendars and Events page , and on every school website. Team FCPS will also start to notice centrally organized events on the calendar, such as Community and Employee Conversations, Family Academy events, and the Family Summit. In order to tailor what you see, just click the filter icon to the right of “Search.” Professional learning opportunities will be posted soon. With all schools using Tandem, families can finally view events across schools in one calendar. This consistent calendar experience will be helpful for all of us, but especially for families with children in more than one school. I am so proud of this calendar transformation and encourage each of you to take a look when you have a moment! 

In this fall football season, I am reminded of one of our late great coaches and his thoughts, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." -- Vince Lombardi. We here in FCPS, have a great team; and, we here in Our House, will continue to realize great results. Together, all things are possible...

Take good care, 

Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent