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Back-to-School Checklist, Native Habitat Restoration, ACE English Classes, Student Leadership Opportunities, and More!
Dear Neighbors,
The back-to-school countdown is on—just 14 days to go! This week, our teachers and staff return to school, where they’ll be busy preparing classrooms and planning for the year ahead.
This week’s newsletter includes a helpful checklist and resources to help families prepare for the start of the new school year. Beyond back-to-school preparations, this edition also features the final two “Providence Presents” summer concerts, a volunteer opportunity to help restore native habitat at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, nominations for the FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame, student opportunities through the School Board Advisory Committees, and more.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support of our students, schools, and community. I hope you and your family enjoy the remaining weeks of summer. If you have any questions as the new school year approaches, please feel free to reach out.
In service,
Karl Frisch Providence District Representative Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Back-to-School Checklist
Providence Presents Summer Concert Series

Don’t miss the final two performances of the “Providence Presents” Summer Concert Series at Nottoway Park, presented by Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Difficult Run Stream Valley Park Habitat Restoration

Help protect migrating birds and other local wildlife and be part of preserving our community’s natural spaces. Volunteer with your Providence District neighbors on Sunday, August 16, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. to remove invasive plants and restore native habitat at Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, 3119 Miller Heights Road, Oakton. [Sign Up to Volunteer Here]
Nominate an Outstanding FCPS Alum for the Alumni Hall of Fame
Education Fairfax is now accepting nominations for the 5th Annual FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing FCPS graduates who have made a lasting impact in their profession or community. The program celebrates alumni achievements and helps strengthen connections between FCPS graduates, current students, and the school community. Nominees must have graduated from an FCPS high school at least five years ago and meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Submit your nomination by August 31, 2026.
School Board Student Representative Seeks Students for Advisory Committees
The Student Representative to the School Board, Newt Shosteck, is seeking applications from students interested in serving a one-year term on a Community Advisory Committee. The committees represent the concerns of parents, students, and other stakeholders and help inform and shape Fairfax County Public Schools programs and resources.
Each student member must be an FCPS high school student entering grades 9–12 and will serve a one-year term ending July 31, 2027. Student members are expected to actively participate in their assigned committee and share feedback with the Student Representative to the School Board.
To apply to one of the Fairfax County School Board Advisory Committees as a student appointee, please complete this Google form. For more information, contact Newt Shosteck, Student Representative to the School Board.
FCPS Adult English Language Classes

Learn or strengthen your English language skills through a trusted source: FCPS Adult and Community Education. Classes are designed for learners at all levels and provide a supportive environment where you can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing with experienced instructors. Testing is required for all new students to ensure you are placed in the correct learning level.
FCPS ACE offers affordable, in-person classes for adult learners, from beginner to advanced levels, and specialty courses for career advancement. Classes are held at convenient FCPS locations throughout Fairfax County, with day and evening classes available. In the Providence District, classes are held at Graham Road Community Building, 3036 Graham Rd., Falls Church.
The Adult ESOL Fall Term is now being scheduled. Scholarships are available. If you’re interested in strengthening your English Language skills, please visit the FCPS ACE website for more information and scheduling.
Summer Immunization Events for All FCPS Students

Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, is offering school-required immunizations this summer. Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families. Upcoming Immunization Clinic Dates for FCPS students include:
Visit the FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events webpage for more information.
The Fairfax County Health Department’s annual back-to-school immunization push is underway. To help parents ensure their children are ready for the upcoming school year, dedicated school immunization hours, including expanded evening hours, are now available at the Herndon-Reston, Annandale, Franconia-Springfield, and Mount Vernon Public Health Centers. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. [Back-to-school clinic dates, times, and locations].
Additional immunization resources are also available.
Global Leaders of Fairfax County Fellowship
Applications are now open for rising seniors interested in becoming Fellows in the Global Leaders of Fairfax County program for the 2026–2027 school year. Running from September 2026 through May 2027, this hybrid program (in-person and virtual) requires a commitment of a few hours per month.
The deadline to complete the Global Leaders Fellowship Application Form is Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Careers with FCPS

Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and other vital areas. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Upcoming School Board Meetings

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the |