The Dixit Recap: Recognizing Asha Jyothi and the Opening of School in Numbers

Updates from the October 8th Regular Meeting

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

he 2026–2027 Fairfax County School Board representatives sit behind a long, curved wooden dais, with the School Board seal centered on the front.

The Dixit Recap

This bulletin is to provide a more focused update on School Board news, motions, and decisions made at the most recent School Board regular meetings and work sessions. The Dialogue will continue to share highlights, resources, events, and opportunities from around the Sully district.

Serving the Sully District is a responsibility I hold close to my heart. I’m committed to listening to our community and working to ensure every student in Sully and across Fairfax County has the resources, support, and high-quality instruction they need to thrive. Together, we can build on what makes FCPS strong and help every student reach their full potential.

In Partnership,

Seema Dixit

Sully District School Board Member

October 8 | Regular Meeting

The full agenda is posted on Board Docs. You may also view the recorded meeting on YouTube.

Asha-Jyothi representatives receive School Board proclamation recognizing their support for FCPS.

Proclamation Honoring Asha-Jyothi

Last night, the School Board unanimously approved my proclamation recognizing Asha-Jyothi for its steadfast commitment to STEM and STEAM education, and its generous support and service to the students, educators, and communities that are Fairfax County Public Schools. Read the full proclamation on Board Docs.

School Board members, Des Colores ensemble and directors, accompanists, teachers in front of the dais with Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation

Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation

I was honored last night to read out the School Board's approved proclamation recognizing September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Please click on the picture to view the outstanding special performance by Des Colores from Crestwood Elementary School under the direction of Chelsea Heckenkamp and Daniel Cranbill with a musical accompaniment by the Lewis High School Mariachi Teacher, Mr. Mata.

Kindergarten Technology Use

At last night’s meeting, the School Board approved the Superintendent’s recommendation to allow eligible kindergarten students who need additional reading support under Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) to use Lexia for up to 75 minutes per week during the reading intervention block. Dr. Reid's recommendation was the result of the Education Technology Review Committee's (ETRC) review of the use of Lexia for reading intervention strategies in Kindergarten classrooms during the 2025-2026 school year.

This limited exception supports targeted instruction while maintaining the Board’s broader direction to limit device use in kindergarten. Existing exceptions for technology needed to support an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 plan, translation, or multilingual education also remain in place.

The Board also directed the Superintendent to establish a formal process for families to opt elementary students out of Lexia and to provide non-digital instructional alternatives. Additional motions call for reviews of Lexia’s cost and instructional effectiveness—including independent research and comparison with staff-led tutoring—and of the cost and effectiveness of classroom instructional apps and software.

Presentations | Opening of Schools

Dr. Reid's presentation on the opening of our schools not only provided statistics on bus arrival times and first day enrollment numbers, but also amazing information that makes me proud to represent the students, families, and communities that make up Fairfax County Public Schools.