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Hello Fairfax County,
Thoughtful use of classroom technology
At last night's meeting, the Board returned to classroom technology, including support for kindergarten readers and reviews of instructional technology
The Superintendent’s recommendation would allow pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who need state mandated supplemental reading intervention to use Lexia for up to 75 minutes per week, with families able to opt out. Additionally, at my urging, the School Board also passed a motion by Ms. Anderson to guarantee parents have the right to opt-out of Lexia and ST Math.
Two related motions called for reviews of Lexia’s cost and instructional effectiveness, including independent research and comparison with staff-led tutoring, and of the cost and instructional effectiveness of instructional apps and software used in classrooms.
My priorities are effective reading support, developmentally appropriate early learning, and clear evidence about what helps students learn. In an earlier discussion, I asked staff to explain why estimates for replacing Lexia with additional staff-led tutoring ranged from $325,000 to $1.6 million. I also asked FCPS to communicate families’ opt-out options for Lexia and ST Math in writing to principals, educators, and families.
Watch my questions to the Superintendent about Lexia (starts at 1:10:25).
Watch my questions to the Superintendent about Lexia (starts at 1:10:25).
I’ll continue to press for transparent assumptions and consistent information for families.
Pedestrian safety: share your experience
I’m honored to have been named, alongside Sandy Anderson (Springfield District), as one of the two School Board members on the Joint Pedestrian Safety Task Force. We’ll work with our county partners to identify priority areas and pursue long-term infrastructure and operational solutions.
Please complete the five-minute Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey by Thursday, October 15. The survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, Kiss and Ride, accessibility, crossing guard needs, and other safety concerns.
Please name the school you’re commenting on and identify exact locations where you’ve seen hazards or close calls. If your children attend more than one FCPS school, submit a separate survey for each school. Responses are confidential; please don’t include student names in open-ended responses.
Questions? Contact the Safe Routes to School team at SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Thank you for sharing your perspectives and helping us make school routes safer for students.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Vice Chairman and At-Large Member
Fairfax County School Board
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Vice Chairman & Member, At-Large
Fairfax County School Board
Other Updates
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
FCPS News
- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Safe Routes to School Survey
- Immunization Events
- Celebrating Our Principals
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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Calendar Reminder |
Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Monday, October 12, is a student holiday and school planning day for Indigenous Peoples' Day
Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays - Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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See the complete school year calendar.
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
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