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Celebrating Our Students, Spring Events, Summer Internships and More!
Dear Neighbors,
As spring settles in across Fairfax County, we’re reminded of just how special this time of year is in our community. Cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and magnolias are in full bloom, students are back from spring break recharged, and our schools are alive with energy, creativity, and achievement.
This week’s newsletter reflects that spirit of renewal and momentum.
Across the Providence District, we are celebrating student success — from arts awards to science fair achievements — while also lifting up the everyday moments that make our schools strong.
There are also important opportunities for engagement and action in the weeks ahead. I encourage you to weigh in on the budget as key decisions approach, join upcoming events like the Fairfax County History Conference, Earth Day celebration, and Special Education Conference, and take advantage of opportunities for students like the Summer Internship Program.
Families should also take note of a few important updates and resources, including Pre-K and Early Head Start enrollment applications, the “Wait Until 8th” pledge on smartphone use, and upcoming Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid.
And please be sure to note an important calendar update: students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously scheduled as early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
Finally, I hope you’ll find time to enjoy the many theater productions happening across our schools. There is no better way to see firsthand the talent and dedication of our students and educators!
Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and support of our students, educators, and schools. Together, we are strengthening our community and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Providence District FY 2027 Budget Town Hall
I was pleased to join Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik for our annual Providence District Budget Town Hall (video). Fairfax County CFO Christina Jackson presented the County’s budget, and FCPS CFO Leigh Burden presented the school division’s budget. We appreciated the thoughtful questions and perspectives shared by Providence District residents and many educators.
The school division’s budget funds the educators, academics, and learning experiences that keep our schools among the best in the nation. Read our budget story to learn more about what makes us exceptional and why adequate funding matters. Help write our next chapter by learning about the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and making your voice heard.
Because the county provides nearly 70% of FCPS funding, community input is especially important. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is reviewing the FY 2027 Advertised Budget before adoption in May. Share your feedback on how you would like your tax dollars invested by completing this survey.
Key Budget Decision Dates:
- April 14: School Board presents FCPS’ budget to the Board of Supervisors (BOS)
- May 5: BOS adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS
- May 7: Approved budget presented to the School Board
- May 21: School Board adopts FY27 approved budget
Edu-Futuro Gala
I was grateful to join my colleagues at Edu-Futuro’s Courage for a Cause Gala, celebrating 28 years of empowering Northern Virginia youth and families through education, mentorship, and workforce development. Edu-Futuro’s commitment to our community is truly extraordinary, and I am grateful for the lasting difference they make in the lives of so many.
Celebrating Read Across America Week at Mosaic Elementary
I was delighted to visit Mosaic Elementary School to share “Hey, Little Ant” with Mrs. Jildeh’s third-grade class in celebration of Read Across America Week. It’s truly a privilege to be invited to read to our students. Their questions, comments, and honest reactions always keep me on my toes!
Mantua Elementary PTA Basketball League Finals
It was a pleasure to attend the Mantua PTA Basketball League Finals with Superintendent Reid. The gym was packed with energy and school pride. Mantua’s league — Virginia’s only single-school elementary basketball program — has served students since the 1960s and remains a proud school tradition. I’m grateful to the Mantua PTA and the parents, caregivers, and community volunteers whose dedication sustains this exceptional program.
Purple Up! on April 15
April is the Month of the Military Child — a time to honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of military-connected students. We recognize their unique experiences and thank them for the important role they play in supporting their families and our nation.
To show our appreciation for the service of children from military families we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15. Whether or not you know any military-connected youth, please wear purple on April 15, post your photo and tag #PurpleUpFCPS to show your support!
FCPS is honored to have 145 schools with a Purple Star designation — those recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children for their dedication to helping military-connected students and their families. These schools provide a lot of support to our military families in different ways.
Apply Now: Summer Student Intern Program
The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program will run from Monday, July 6, to Friday, August 14, and offers hands-on work experience across central office departments. The deadline to submit the interest form is Friday, April 10, at 5 p.m.
Providence District Student Achievements
ARTiFAX Awards
Congratulations to the Providence District students who were recognized for exceptional achievement in the arts in this year’s ARTiFAX Awards:
- Fairfax High School: Jhair Morales Escobar
- Falls Church High School: Nalani Applehans; Jasmine Lara, Alissa Morris, Lynn Nguyen Ramos, Polina Skoryk, Josephine Wallinger, Laura Winters
- Luther Jackson Middle School: Fatima Acevado Ayala
- Kilmer Middle School: Jonathan Meng
- Madison High School: Sara Yoshikawa
- Marshall High School: Sam Aguilon-Robles, Mohamed Ali, Dimitrios Asiminas, Anna Bae, Ruby Castaneda, Aaron Choi, Claire Hatch, Clara Alice Karnes, Fiona Lin, Chloe O'Hearn, Eloise Quan, Angela Sabagkit
- McLean High School: Ayla Habil, Sadie Morgan
- Oakton High School: Shruthi Akoju, Amy Dugan, Maddie Rocca, Kaitlyn Shin, Elizabeth Yang
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Emma He, Juliet Phillips
- Thoreau Middle School: Nuria Choque Duran, George Yanuchauski Perdomo
Fairfax County Student Peace Awards
Congratulations to Yanis Mehenni, an 11th grader at Oakton High School, on being named a 2026 Fairfax County Student Peace Award recipient for his outstanding work with the Oakton Pantry, managing supplies and coordinating student and parent volunteers.
U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates
Congratulations to the Providence District students named as 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates:
- McLean High School: Daniel Kim
- Oakton High School: Linus Koepcke
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Tayne Han, Ethan Lee, Juliet Phillips, Luv Udeshi
- Woodson High School: Aiden Brennan, Alexander Liu
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Congratulations to Parham Yeganeh, an 11th grader at Marshall HS, who took the Grand Prize in the Physics and Astronomy category at the 2026 Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair for his project “Exploration of the Motion-Induced Quicksand Effect with Vertical Rotation,” which qualifies him to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May.
Congratulations as well to all of the Providence District students who were category award winners:
- Falls Church High School: Samantha DelFavero, Audrey Horwitz
- Madison High School: Avrie Duong, Kyndall Kelso, Tina Long, Ellen Nave, Gavin Norton, Joseph Perry, Jeehyo Rim, Lydia Bitner, Brayden Smith, Andrew Smith
- Marshall High School: Alina Albeik, Abigael Holland, Johannes Jangam, Abigail Park, Sri Piramanayagam, Kyle Sun, Andrew Thomson, Elise Yashar, Parham Yeganeh
- McLean High School: Tarek Elbehiry, YiMin Hou, Eunice (Yueun) Sim, Helen Tong, Lexin Zhu
- Oakton High School: Justine Bell, Owen Chesley, Yoonsub Choi, Sunghun Chung, Allison Hegg, Chaerin Kim, Christine Kim, Steven Pham, Aditi Puthenveetil Joseph, Thomas Sparling, Bethany Wang
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Sidh Jaddu, Madeline Levorson, Lucas Wang, Shunyao Yan
- Woodson High School: Anne Brady, Avery Chiang, Levi Hall, Matilda Keil-Losch, Isabella Nguyen, Edward Park, Joelle Rice, Esme Sawtelle, Nishta Shah, Lydia Tetreault
Virginia Scholastic Chess Tournament
Congratulations to Emin Baim, a 7th grader at Kilmer Middle School, and Alexander Zheng Zhou, a 6th grader at Louise Archer Elementary for their strong performances in the K–8 section at the 2026 Virginia Scholastic Chess Tournament.
Revolutionary Fun for the Whole Family
On Saturday, April 18, the Fairfax County History Commission will host Revolutionary Ideas: Fairfax County’s American Revolution, featuring a full day of programming, including free, interactive activities designed for young learners. The conference will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, with children’s activities beginning at 1:30 p.m.
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Dig Archaeology: Handle cool artifacts that make Fairfax County unique.
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In Your Own Words: What does freedom mean to you? Share your thoughts.
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Live Like a Colonial: Write with a quill pen, try a whirligig, play dress-up.
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Find Your Roots: Explore your past with the Fairfax Genealogical Society.
Providence District Earth Day Celebration
Don’t miss the Providence Earth Day Celebration, hosted by Supervisor Palchik, on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Graham Road Community Building. Come together with neighbors and community members for eco-friendly activities, workshops, and presentations that will empower you to help shape a more sustainable future. [Register Here]
Special Education Family Conference
Join FCPS for the 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School. Hear from internationally renowned educator and inclusion advocate Dr. Shelley Moore, connect with helpful resources, meet other families, and take part in engaging sessions. Child care for students of varying abilities, accommodations, and language interpretation is available. Lunch will be provided. [Register Here]
FCPS World Languages Global Education Initiative: From the Peace Corps to the Classroom
The FCPS World Languages Global Education Initiative offers an opportunity to connect FCPS students with experienced members of our local community who are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), offering:
- Volunteer appearances at heritage and international nights
- Guest classroom presentations aligned to curriculum
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