Space Force Col. Erica Mitchell gets hugs from her children, who attend schools in the Langley pyramid.
Support Military Children on Purple Up! Day
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, staff, and community members to “Purple Up!” on Wednesday, April 15, for military children.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and the blue of the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force.
April Is Month of the Military Child
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year. Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff will welcome you and will assist with your transition into or out of our district. Watch this message from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid about the Month of the Military Child.
Visit our Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow our FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources. If you have questions, please email our Family and School Partnerships team.
241 FCPS Students Named 2026 National Merit Finalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 241 students from 16 Fairfax County public schools as 2026 National Merit finalists. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern Virginia, has 105 finalists. View the full list of national merit finalists.
The FCPS Budget Sustains Excellence
From 2025 to 2026, FCPS had a 37% increase in the number of National Merit Semifinalists. This continued growth in student success is thanks to the hard work of our students, the support of dedicated parents and teachers, and the resources and opportunities that make our school division excellent.
Provide Fairfax County With Feedback on Its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May.
A Budget Town Hall Meeting will take place on Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., on Channel 16 (Franconia District). You can provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and on Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, both at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn how you can share your feedback and provide input on the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
School Board Presents FY 2027 Advertised Budget to Board of Supervisors
The School Board will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 14, at a joint Board of Supervisors and School Board budget committee meeting.
The meeting will take place in the Fairfax Government Center Board Auditorium and in Conference Room 11, and is available to view live on Channel 16 and stream live online. Follow the FCPS Budget Development Process.
Students Honored With 2026 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
FCPS student writers won 24 Gold Key awards in the 2026 DC Metro Region Scholastic Writing Award competition. In all, 162 Gold Key, Silver Key, and honorable mentions were earned by FCPS students. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards. View the list of writing award winners.
Student Voices Collaborate at First Summit
FCPS high school students gathered at the new Skyview High School for the inaugural Superintendent Student Summit. The summit was a leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voices across FCPS. Read about the Student Summit.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
Connecting with community members across Fairfax County is critical to Dr. Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services.
Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Counting Down to the Special Education Family Conference
Only 10 more days until the 2026 Special Education Family Conference!
Join more than 500 families and community members for this year’s event on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. Do you still need to register for this year’s conference? Complete the 2026 Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to register, request special accommodations, and select language interpretation needs.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn more about the keynote speaker, the full list of breakout sessions, and the vendor hall list.
Explore Life After High School With Career and Transition Services
FCPS’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Woodson High School.
The event is designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma and their families. It offers an introduction to postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, and community programs. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs, and community organizations will be available to share resources and answer questions.
Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend.
Experimenting, Reflecting, and Refining with Fine Arts
Dr. Reid presented on Fine Arts in FCPS during the Academic Matters segment of the March 26 School Board meeting. FCPS is committed to arts instruction where they develop durable skills (which are similar to Portrait of a Graduate attributes) in environments that promote belonging and self-expression.
Dr. Reid shared a video about Fine Arts and access to academic rigor. It explains how courses such as International Baccalaureate® (IB) Dance and Advanced Placement (AP) 2D Studio Art and Drawing use a process similar to the scientific method, where students experiment, reflect, and refine their work over time.
Learn more about the IB dance program at Mount Vernon High School.
Librarian Sparks Imagination and Love of Learning
April is School Library Month, and April 3 was School Librarian Day. In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.
At Gunston Elementary School, Librarian Nicole Oberdick has created an immersive, magical space to inspire students. Nicole was selected as an Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist last year. Read about how Nicole engages her students.
Explore all that FCPS school library programs have to offer for student learning and the important roles that our school librarians play in the school community.
Assistant Principal Works to Ensure Every Student Thrives
April 6-10 marks National Assistant Principals Week, a time to recognize the vital role assistant principals play in supporting student success, empowering teachers, and shaping a positive culture at school.
In FCPS, our assistant principals go above and beyond each day to ensure our schools are places where students thrive, and staff feel valued. Their tireless commitment, leadership, and compassion are foundational to our mission, and we’re proud to honor them this week.
Dominic Williams, assistant principal at Union Mill Elementary School, was recognized as the 2025 Outstanding School-Based Leader at FCPS. Read about Dominic’s leadership and influence.
Check out the In the Spotlight playlist to hear about how staff are making tangible impacts in the lives of FCPS students, from learning something new to participating in athletics programs.
A Heart for Every Student: Celebrating Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day — observed annually on the first Wednesday of April — offers an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary impact of instructional assistants, aides, and paraeducators who support students every day. Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee finalist Samina Butt is one of these dedicated professionals at Irving Middle School. Read about Samina.
Teacher Job Fair: Join Team FCPS!
Interested in becoming an educator? FCPS will be hosting an in-person instructional job fair on Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School. There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from FCPS schools. Learn more about the job fair and register to attend (required).
Calendar Reminders
School Planning Day
Friday, April 10, is a school planning day. There will be no school for students.
Theravada New Year (Observance Day)
Thursday, April 16, is Theravada New Year. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. Observance days are regular school days with no mandatory tests, field trips, or major events.
April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Several motions to amend the 2026-27 school calendar are on the agenda.
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
FCPS ACE Tax Day Sale
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) wants you to save on learning! Purchase any class on Wednesday, April 15, and you’ll save $15 off your tuition when you apply promo code TaxDay15 at checkout. Explore classes for career advancement or personal enjoyment. Learn in person or online at your own pace.
Just like the tax-filing deadline, this offer expires at midnight on April 15, so don’t delay! See details and save today.
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