City of Fairfax Schools: In the News

City of Fairfax Schools Proposed Budget FY 2013

Inside these presentations you will find the City of Fairfax Schools Proposed Budget for FY2013.

The presentation has been broken down into three files to include:

Information and Trends
Student Achievement Data
Details about the Tuition Agreement with FCPS and the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget

Click here to download Information and Trends

Click here to download Student Achievement Data

Click here to download details about the Tuition Agreement and the Superintendent’s Proposed FY2013 Budget:

City of Fairfax School Board Recognizes Teachers and Students at December School Board Meeting

On Monday, December 5th the City of Fairfax School Board Recognized selected students and staff from Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High School for outstanding achievements.

Lanier Middle School students and staff were awarded Virginia’s First “Green Flag” Eco-School Award by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The Green Flag is the highest level of recognition. Lanier Middle School is the third school in the United States and the first school in Virginia to receive this honor.

Lanier Middle School counselors were acknowledged for their RAMP award from the American School Counselors Association for a Model Program.

In addition, two Lanier Middle School teachers were recognized. Mr. Robert D’Souza, technology and education teacher at Lanier Middle School was recognized by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association with the Program Excellence Award for Middle School for the State of Virginia.

Ms. Faiza Alam, special education science teacher received her National Board Teacher Certification in November and received an invitation from the White House to attend an Educator Event in December. Ms. Alam was one of 100 teachers nationally invited to the event. The group will also be visiting the Department of Education and participating in a forum with Secretary Duncan and other officials.

Fairfax High School students were recognized for outstanding achievement in academics and extracurricular activities. Students were recognized for participation in such activities as Virginia Girls and Boys State, Virginia Governor’s School and the Senior Regional Orchestra. In addition, students were acknowledged for receiving national merit and national achievement in scores in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Sidney Lanier Middle School is a Cool School!

Sidney Lanier Middle School was recognized by WUSA Channel 9 as an area ‘cool school’. SLMS created an ecosystem in their school courtyard in their ongoing environmental studies. Congratulations to all the staff and students for their wonderful work.

Click here to see the WUSA Channel 9 story

Superintendent's Proposed CIP Budget FY 2013-2017

Superintendent Ann Monday presented the City School’s proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for FY 2013-2017 at the regular School Board meeting on Monday, September 12, 2011.

Congratulations to Daniels Run Elementary School

Virginia Naturally, the official environmental education program of the Commonwealth, recognized Daniels Run Elementary School for the fifth straight year for their ongoing efforts in environmental awareness and education. This great honor is in addition to being recognized as a Bronze Award Eco-School through the Eco-Schools USA program sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. Congratulations Daniels Run!

Congratulations to Fairfax High's 72 FHS Honor Students, 2011

We are very proud of all of our graduates, including David Robertson (pictured here with School Board Chairman Janice Miller and City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer). He is the winner of the Fairfax Award, given to the senior who has been most outstanding in scholarship, loyalty, service, and leadership.

We are also happy to report that this year 72 students were Honor Graduates — an incredible achievement, indeed.

Click inside to find out who made the grade.

Where will the Class of 2011 be this fall?

“Graduation is my favorite day of the year because all of the school community’s energy channeled into our students’ learning and growth climaxes with a huge feeling of accomplishment and happiness,” Fairfax High Principal Dave Goldfarb told the packed audience at graduation this year.

“Graduation, known more formally as commencement, also marks the beginning of the graduates’ independent adventure as they leave compulsory schooling behind. What an incredible time in their lives!” he added. “Our seniors have represented our school, inside and outside this building, with grace and style.”

Click inside to see which schools our grads got into!

Join Fairfax Academy Students for a Trio of Spring Showcase Events: April 29, May 20-21, and June 2

You are cordially invited to attend any or all of Fairfax Academy’s trio of Spring Showcase events, featuring signature projects created by second-year Academy students. For more info call: 703-219-2226.

Textures for Electronic Trio and Orchestra
_Featuring a premiere performance of Swan Lake, and the Colors of Spring by the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra.
Friday, April 29, 8 pm
Ernst Community Cultural Center, NOVA-Annandale Campus

Around the World in 80 Dances
Spring Dance Concert
Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, 7:30 pm
Fairfax High School Auditorium

Creative Works Showcase and Academy Awards
Thursday, June 2
6:30 -7:45 pm Creative Works Showcase
8:00 pm Academy Awards Program
Fairfax High School Commons and Auditorium

Click here for details.

Panther Service Saturday is Coming: April 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon / Math-Science-Technology Family Night is April 14, 6-7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, April 9, in Providence’s courtyard, students, staff, family and friends joined forces for the school’s 2nd Annual Service Saturday.

Providence held our 2nd annual Service Saturday (http://www.fcps.edu/ProvidenceES/) The Providence community (students, parents and & staff) came together and transform our courtyard. The link above takes you to our main page where I have a video message to the community about Service Saturday.

The PES Community worked on building vegetable beds, planting fruit, vegetables, plants, and mulching. And, as part of the community service hours, sixth grade students and art teachers created a new mural in the main hallway.

In addition, the staff washed cars and sold baked goods to raise money for the Red Cross Japanese Relief Fund.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 14 — Providence will be hosting its annual M-S-T Family Night.

City School Board Honors Fairfax High Students at its April Meeting

Congratulations to the Fairfax High School students who took home honors at the April 4 School Board Meeting.

Travis Lauri, (pictured right) is the 12th grade State record holder for the 50 meter freestyle. “In other words,” explained School Board Chairman Janice Miller, “he is the fastest swimmer in the state.”

Scholastic Silver Key Art Award Goes to Lanier Student Amy Ahn

Congratulations to Lanier student Amy Ahn, recipient of this year’s Scholastic Silver Key Art Award for her piece, “Painting Life Captured in a Picture.”

The Scholastic panel reviewed more than 165,000 works, and 1,677 of those entries came from FCPS students. A total of 171 students won Gold Keys, 141 students won Silver Keys and 136 were awarded Certificates of Merit for their work in one or more of the following categories: drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, ceramics and glass pieces, sculptures, digital art, film and animation, architecture, fashion, jewelry, comic art, design, mixed media, and portfolios.

Kudos to Lanier Middle School's Orchestra and Band

The City of Fairfax School Board honored Lanier Middle School’s Orchestra students who made it to the All District auditions. This is a difficult goal to achieve, and only the most highly accomplished students are selected by their teachers to audition. In many cases these school level decisions are made through the audition process. All District auditions are a highly competitive process with only the strongest musicians and singers selected to participate in the All District Band, Orchestra and Chorus.

This year’s students orchestra includes: Raymond Huang, Rebecca Earhart, Josiah Nguyen, Lucy Xia, Borah Hong, Cathy Chang, and Nathan Graham.

The band includes: Emma Smullen, Emily Tseng, Abby Yarbrough, Zoe Cooper, Sara Latimer, Tia Maxfield, Annaliese Payne, Katie Whitcomb, Tiffany Yun, Marie DeCosse, Trisha Deshmukh, Melody Guitz, Brooke Heiche, Sun Mi Kim, Maya Williams-Britton, Laurel Romoser, Aleeza Ali, Meg Robertson, Essedik Drafate, Bobby Pazhwak, Bryan Trejo Granada, Andrew Wong, Samyam Adhikari, Stevie Amoako, James Derrick, Michael Moore, and Brian Nguyen.

Lanier Middle School Band is Honored by the City of Fairfax School Board

At this month’s School Board meeting, the Lanier Middle School Band was honored for by the City of Fairfax School Board for being chosen to participate in the prestigious District XI Middle School Band. About 40% of the District Band, in fact, is comprised of Lanier students. This is an incredible honor, says Lanier’s Principal Scott Poole.

City School Board makes donation to Fairfax High's All Night Graduation Committee

At the March City School Board meeting, Shelly Modes and Catherine Miller, chairs of Fairfax High’s All Night Graduation Committee, graciously accepted a check for $500 from Janice Miller, chairman of the City of Fairfax School Board.

“Every year, the School Board likes to support this safe and fun graduation party,” Miller said. “We know you’ll do a terrific job ensuring our students enjoy the event that celebrates the end of their high school careers.”

Kindergarten Orientation 2011

Photo by Steve Barrett, www.inkandescentpr.com

Please mark your calendar for this year’s Kindergarten Orientation

Providence Elementary
When: April 11, 2011
1:30-3:00 p.m.
3616 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-2999
www.fcps.edu/ProvidenceES

Daniels Run Elementary School
When: April 14, 2011
9:30-11:30 a.m.
3705 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA 22030
www.fcps.edu/DanielsRunES

City School Board Honors Fairfax High Students at its April Meeting

Congratulations to the Fairfax High School students who took home honors at the April 4 School Board Meeting. Among them was Travis Lauri, for being the Virginia record holder for the 50 meter freestyle.

“In other words,” explained School Board Chairman Janice Miller, “he is the fastest swimmer in the state. That is an amazing athletic accomplishment.”

Congratulations to Fairfax High, Lanier Middle and Daniels Run Elementary for earning a 2011 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence!

Governor McDonnell & Board of Education Honor High-Performing Virginia Schools & School Divisions 2011 Virginia Index of Performance Awards Announced

Governor Bob McDonnell and the Board of Education announced today that 728 schools and nine school divisions earned 2011 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The incentive program, which was created by the Board of Education in 2007, recognizes schools and divisions that achieve excellence goals and far exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards.

“The schools and divisions earning these awards have high-achieving students and teachers and leaders who are committed to innovation and offering new opportunities for learning,” Governor McDonnell said. “I look forward to meeting some of the students and educators behind these success stories and congratulating them in person for their accomplishments.”

The schools and school divisions earning 2011 VIP awards — which are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during 2009-2010 — include:

110 Virginia schools that earned the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence;
Eight school divisions and 323 schools that earned the Board of Education Excellence Award;
One school division and 289 schools earned the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award; and
Six schools that earned the Board of Education Rising Star Award.

You are Invited to the 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

On Friday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m, join the Fairfax High School Activities Department for the 2011 induction ceremony to the Fairfax High Athletic Department Hall of Fame.

Inductees include former Fairfax High teacher and coach Peggy Aderton, former athlete Carissa Mirasol, former wrestler and current staff member Joe Fitterer, former athlete Chuck Freeman, former athlete Sean Doolan, and former golfer Matt Johnson.

The ceremony will take place during halftime at the Fairfax High girl’s backketball game against Marshall High School.

“Fairfax High School was the first in the county, so our Sports Hall of Fame has great athletes from the 1940s to the 21st century,” says School Board Member and former Fairfax High teacher and wrestling coach Mitch Sutterfield.

“If you’ve lived here and are anywhere from 18 to 80, you can look up at the plaques in the field house lobby and probably see a great athlete that you know.”

For more information, contact Fairfax High’s Director of Student Activities Tim Gordon at timothy.gordon@fcps.edu or (703) 219-2201.

Fairfax High Students win National Achievement Awards

Congratulations to the following students who won National Achievement awards for 2010:

Reyna Dawkins received the National Achievement Outstanding Participant Award. Students who receive this award scored in the top 3% of more than 160,000 Black Americans who requested consideration in the 2011 National Achievement Program when they took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Congratulations on your outstanding academic achievement.

Minahil Amin is a National Merit Semifinalist. Semifinalists’ scores on the SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test place them among the top 16,000 scores nationwide. These students represent less than 1% of more than 1.5 million graduating seniors who take the tests.

National Merit Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the Merit Scholarship competition and advance to Finalist standing by meeting a number of additional requirements. Minahil has submitted an application to be considered as a Finalist. Congratulations on this extraordinary academic achievement.

National Achievement Semifinalists include: Scott Brown, Jasmin Green, and Arenn Martin. Students who receive this award scored in the top 1% of more than 160,000 Black Americans who requested consideration in the 2011 national Achievement Program when they took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

National Merit Commended Students include: Ryan Brennan, Ellen Choi, Rachel Guy, Eubin Jin, Jessica Mason, Nabil Mezher, Sarah Moniz, Jason Nguyen, John Park, David Robertson, Nadine Rousseau, Gregory Smith, Clayton Southerly, Varun Takanti, and Samantha Yi.

Rudolfo Bustos wins 2010 Hispanic Heritage Award

RUDOLFO BUSTOS, a senior at FHS, received the 2010 Hispanic Heritage Award Bronze Medallion for Engineering and Mathematics.

“Rodolfo is one of three seniors in the area to be recognized in the engineering and mathematics category,” says School Board Chairman Janice Miller. “As the bronze medallion winner, he received $1,000 in educational grants.”

Congratulations to the FHS students selected to attend the Virginia Governor's School in 2010

Congratulations to the seniors who were selected to attend the Virginia Governors School in 2010:

Minahil Amin – French
Eleanor Jordan – German
Janet Christensen – German
Charlton Baxter-Gagen – Spanish
Alexander Cottle – Latin
Shannon Berenbaum – Latin
Roshni Patel – Russian
Nissa Chugtai – Arabic
Helena Contes – Chinese
Victoria Tran – Agriculture
Rahul Monga – Agriculture
Ishaan Dharia – Agriculture
Marissa Bialek – Humanities
Samantha Yi – Agriculture
Atif Javed – Science, Technology, and Mathematics
Christine LaRoche – Life Science and Medicine

Fairfax High Students selected to attend Virginia Boys / Girls State program

The following students were selected to attend the 2010 Virginia Boys/Girls State program: William Andrewes, Sam Brott, Nissa Chugtai, Roshni Patel, David Robertson, Jordan Rummel, Jordan Sharpe, and Victoria Tran.

“Congratulations to all of the Fairfax High students who were selected to attend Virginia Boys/Girls State in 2010,” says School Board Chairman Janice Miller, who honored the students at a School Board meeting on December 6. “This is a well-deserved recognition of both academic performance and promise in leadership that these students already display.”

Rosie Perash is selected to participate in the 2010 Virginia Honors Choir

School Board Vice Chairman Jon Buttram (left) and School Board Chairman Janice Miller (right) with Rosie Perash, a senior at FHS who was selected to participate in the 2010 Virginia Honors Choir.

Congratulations to Rosie Perash, a Fairfax High student who was selected to participate in the 2010 Virginia Honors Choir.

“Roughly 800 seniors auditioned for the 130 available spots, and this FHS senior was one of the few to make the cut,” explains City of Fairfax School Board Chairman Janice Miller. “Students from 13 Fairfax County high schools were selected, and Rosie is the first Fairfax High School student chosen in two years.”

Fairfax High Students take home CAPPIES for the 2010 production of “Chicago”

We are thrilled to announce that several of our high school students took home CAPPIES Awards for their 2010 production of the musical “Chicago.” They include:

Madeline Goubeaux, Best Comic Actress
Maddy Atteberry, Best Costumes Award
Sarah Hix, Acting
Icheiri Ramos, Acting

We are also proud to honor Rosie Perash, who was one of 130 students selected to participate in the 2010 Virginia Honors Choir.

FHS' Matrix literary magazine wins first place honors

Congratulations to the outstanding writers who publish Fairfax High’s Literary/Art magazine, “Matrix.” They were awarded First Place for their from Virginia High School League’s Publications Evaluation Service.

“This is an annual evaluation of literary magazines from across the Commonwealth of Virginia,” says City of Fairfax School Board Chairman Janice Miller. “We are very proud to see that good writing is something you take seriously. I know that I speak for everyone on the School Board in wishing you continued success in your literary endeavors.”

Honors go to: Stephanie Yoon, the 2010 Editor-in-Chief; Tiffany Nguyen, 2010 Layout Editor; Munawwar Abdulla, designer; Uighur Abdulla, layout and design; Brett Pennetti, poet and writer.

Virginia High School League Regional Publications Championships – 2009-2010

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has given its First Place Award to Rebel Roar for Quality Publications in the Newsmagazine Division.

This state-wide award recognizes outstanding work in presenting school and community news coverage. This award was presented to the Rebel Roar publication for its overall achievement as a school news publication.

Congratulations go to: Andrew Dilworth, Co-Editor in Chief in 2009-2010; Jordan Sharpe, Co-Editor–in-chief in 2009-2010; and Emily Buzzard, Business Manager 2009-2010.

City of Fairfax School Board Budget Presentation

Inside this PowerPoint presentation, you’ll find the proposed budget for the City of Fairfax School Board for 2012. This 59-slide presentation includes Information and Trends, Student Achievement Data, details about the Tuition Agreement with FCPS, and on slide 47 you’ll find the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for 2012.

Join us Tuesday, Nov. 16 for a concert Lanier Middle School

A pre-VMEA concert at Lanier Middle School will be performed on Tuesday, November 16 at 7 p.m. for the Lanier community.

Please join us and listen to the talented performers in Lanier’s Wind Ensemble who were selected to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference in Norfolk, VA, on Thursday, November 18.

Only three ensembles from the state of Virginia are selected to perform at this conference each year, and it is an honor to be selected from among all of Virginia’s middle and high-school ensembles. This marks the first time a Fairfax City school has been awarded such an honor.

The City of Fairfax School Board proudly recognizes Meghan Benson

At its Special Work Session Meeting on November 1, the City of Fairfax School Board proudly recognized Meghan Benson for her leadership and accomplishments as Director of the Fairfax High School Band Programs from 2007 -2010.

“If you are in the City of Fairfax, you know the impact Meghan Benson has had on Fairfax High School’s Band programs, student musicians and community,” said Superintendent Ann Monday.

“During her 3 year tenure as Band Director, the Fairfax High School band program has developed a culture of excellence in their work and pride in their purpose. These twin giants of excellence and pride now sit very comfortably on the band program and all students that Ms. Benson has touched.”

Benson’s colleagues talk about her outstanding leadership style, which include qualities of strength, compassion, inspiration, discipline and focus.

“These are attributes that successful musicians share,” said School Board Chairman Janice Miller. “We also know that Meghan leads with humor. We have seen that her school spirit includes leading the Chicken Dance at Friday night football games.”

Daniels Run Elementary School wins Virginia Naturally Schools designation for the 4th consecutive year

Pictured here: Daniels Run Principal Kathy Mullenix, Assistant Principal Jacqueline Turner, Assistant Principal Dan Phillips, and Science Resource Teacher, Lori Huberman-Hayes.

The City of Fairfax School Board is proud to recognize Daniels Run Elementary School for receiving the Virginia Naturally Schools designation for the 4th consecutive year.

Daniels Run is the only School in Fairfax County Public Schools to receive this designation.

*Accepting from Daniels Run are Principal Kathy Mullenix, Assistant Principal Jacqueline Turner, Assistant Principal Dan Phillips, and Science Resource Teacher, Lori Huberman-Hayes. (All are pictured above.)

Lanier Middle School wins the prestigious Eco-School USA Silver Award

“The City of Fairfax School Board is proud to recognize Lanier’s Eco-Team for the Eco-Schools USA Silver Award presented to them by the National Wildlife Federation,” said City of Fairfax School Board Chairman Janice Miller at the Nov. 1 Regular Meeting. “We are particularly proud to report that Lanier is the first Eco-School in Fairfax County to receive this Award.”

Lanier’s Eco-Team received Eco-Schools USA Award for establishing and reaching three environmental goals detailed in their proposal to the National Wildlife Federation.

Lanier will reduce the school’s energy lighting load by 15-20 percent at no cost to the district.
Lanier will reduce the 370 pounds of waste per week that Lanier currently produces.
The ECO-Team applied for and received a grant to build an ecosystem courtyard at the school, which will also solve a current drainage problem.

Here's to the Success of the Fairfax High School Marching Rebels Band

“We are proud to present the Certificate of Recognition for the ongoing success of the Fairfax Marching Rebel Band in 2010-2011 Marching Band Competitions,” said Superintendent Ann Monday at the November 1 Regular Meeting.

Accepting for the Marching Rebel Band were Band Director Meghan Benson and Drum Majors David Robertson and Ellie Jordan, pictured here.

“Within the past 2 weeks the Fairfax Marching Rebel Band has successfully defended its title as a Virginia Honor Band by bringing home first place trophies at both the local Oakton Classic and the James Madison University Parade of Champions marching band competitions,” Monday shares.

Southwestern Boundary Change Meetings: October 25-26

The Fairfax County School Board authorized the scope for the Southwestern Boundary Study at its September 23 meeting and invites parents and interested citizens to participate in the upcoming boundary meetings to discuss options for the 23 elementary schools in the region.

The schools include: Bonnie Brae, Brookfield, Bull Run, Centre Ridge, Centreville, Clifton, Colin Powell, Cub Run, Deer Park, Eagle View, Fairfax Villa, Fairview, Greenbriar East, Greenbriar West, Laurel Ridge, London Towne, Oak View, Poplar Tree, Providence, Sangster, Union Mill, Virginia Run, and Willow Springs.

Monday, October 25, 7-9 p.m.

Greenbriar West Elementary School, 13300 Poplar Tree Road, Fairfax
Union Mill Elementary School, 13611 Springstone Drive, Clifton
Virginia Run Elementary School,15450 Martins Hundred Drive, Centreville

Tuesday, October 26, 7-9 p.m.

Colin Powell Elementary School, 13340 Leland Road, Centreville
Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Willow Springs Elementary School, 5400 Willow Springs School Road, Fairfax

For more information and to register, go to http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/southwesternstudy/index.htm.

Fairfax High Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary: Homecoming — Friday, September 24, 2010

Schedule of Events:

4:15 p.m. — Homecoming Parade. Join us on a walk from Van Dyke Park to Fairfax High School. Alumni are encouraged to participate. Guests are encouraged to park at Fairfax High School parking lot. Fairfax City will provide complimentary shuttle service to the start of the parade route.
Note: In case of rain, the parade will be canceled. A decision will be made by noon on Sept. 24.

4:30 p.m. — Tailgate Party. The festivities will be held in Fairfax High’s parking lot. Food will be served, the band will provide music, and there will be games, activities, and spirit wear and anniversary items for sale.
Note: If it rains, this portion of the festivities will be held in the Field House.

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Building Tours. Meet at Entrance #1 (the Main Entrance) to see the beautiful building, which was refurbished in 2006.

6:45 p.m. — Football Pre-Game Activities

7 p.m. — Kick-Off. Don’t miss this great game — Fairfax High vs. Langley

Halftime. Homecoming floats will be presented, and the Homecoming Court and Queen will be crowned.

Post-game Fireworks. Celebrate with us immediately following game with what is sure to be an amazing display.

9:30 to 11 p.m. — Post-game Alumni Gathering. All alumns are welcome to attend this event at the Fairfax Army Navy Country Club.

For details:

Visit Fairfax High School’s website: www.fcps.edu/FairfaxHS

For more information, send an email to FHS’ student government class at FairfaxHighSchool75@yahoo.com.

Fan us on Facebook: Fairfax High School’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

The School Board recently approved the formation of a Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) as a new standing committee of the Board. The mission of the advisory council is to advise and inform the staff and School Board in the development of comprehensive, long term plans for facilities needs in the most effective and efficient way.

This initiative is the result of the School Board’s Comprehensive Plan Development Committee (CPDC) which had been charged with designing a recommendation for a comprehensive facilities planning process in order to address:

• A need for increased public awareness when a school boundary study was eminent;
• A need for increased public validation that facilities issues existed which could require a boundary study;
• A need for a more regional, long range approach to facilities planning that is not provided in the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) development process.

How it works

FPAC will consist of 13 appointed members, one from each Fairfax County magisterial district, three at-large representatives, and one representative from the City of Fairfax. Issues which may be considered by the advisory council shall include, but not be limited to:

• school program capacity
• enrollment and projections
• transportation and operating efficiencies related to facilities planning
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) prioritization
• creative financing and construction strategies
• scope of renovations
• school closures and new schools
• student accommodation planning (building additions/modular relocations/ review of school boundaries)

The CPDC’s research led to the decision to create and establish an “umbrella planning group” to interact with staff, the community and the Board, providing district-wide comprehensive planning oversight and guidance.

The establishment of a Facilities Planning Advisory Council will serve to further the intent of School Board Policy 8120.1, Facilities Planning, School Planning, which directs the preparation of a Capital Improvement Plan, program based school capacities, size and location of schools, periodic boundary adjustments and most importantly, community involvement.

Information on the School Board’s action related to the formation of the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, including the proposal for FPAC, may be found on BoardDocs under May 20, 2010, Action Items.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, please complete the application form by August 15.

The application form and more information is available here.

Please complete this form to apply for an appointment to the Fairfax County Public School Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) and send electronically to your representative or at-large member at the links provided below. Please put FPAC Application in the subject line.

For more information, visit http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/fpac/index.htm.

Providence Principal Jesse Kraft Wins Outstanding First Year Principal of the Year Award

City Schools Superintendent Ann Monday, Providence Elementary School Principal Jesse Kraft, and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Jack Dale

Congratulations to Providence Elementary School Principal Jesse Kraft, who on May 11 was awarded the 2010 Nancy F. Sprague Outstanding First Year Principal of the Year. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Dale surprised Kraft with the honor at 2:30 p.m.

“Your letters of nomination say you value staff, students, and parents, as evidenced in your interactions, you support, and feedback on learning, and through the respect you show by taking a sincere interest in daily classroom activities,” Dr. Dale said of Kraft. “Parents know you care about the community and you are open to new suggestions and ideas. Your personal values, genuine attitude, high level of commitment, and spirited energy are felt daily throughout the school. You are a valued administrator whose commitment to excellence is without question.”

Safety First: Update on School Climate and Student Behavior

By Ann Monday, Superintendent
City of Fairfax Schools
amonday@fairfaxva.gov

Having been a principal for many years, I know that there is nothing more important to parents than making sure that schools are safe places.

In the City of Fairfax we are fortunate to have our City Police Department and Fairfax County Public Schools providing resources and expertise to keep our campuses safe. Our school staff receives training and guidance in dealing with critical incidents and handling student discipline.

I am often in the schools and see how well staff members supervise students and how vigilant they are in monitoring visitors to their buildings.

What the Budget Cuts Mean for the City Schools

By Ann Monday, Superintendent
amonday@fairfaxva.gov

During these tough economic times, schools cannot be immune from budget cuts. In FY 2011, Fairfax County Public Schools will have to make some very hard decisions in order to balance its budget.

Having already made significant budget reductions in the current year, while having more students enrolled, the choices are getting increasingly difficult – and more likely to have a direct impact on students.

The Fairfax City School Board has an agreement with Fairfax County for the operation of its schools. Therefore, the County budget is of great interest to the City Board since the decisions made will impact City students.

Click here to view the January issue of Close-Up Online, where we give readers the information needed to understand the budget process in Fairfax County Public Schools, the potential cuts being considered, and the ways that City and County citizens can voice their opinions about the school system budget.

In Memory of Dr. Jan Mulvaney

By Ann Monday, Superintendent
City of Fairfax Schools

It is with tremendous sadness that I announce that the assistant to the superintendent, Dr. Jan Mulvaney, died on Thursday, Jan. 7. She bravely battled cancer since 2002. Jan leaves behind her beloved husband of 49 years, Merle Mulvaney, her daughter Kristin Mulvaney Shipman, granddaughter Grace, and son-in-law Scott Shipman.

On Monday, Jan. 4, at its monthly meeting, the City of Fairfax School Board honored Jan with an official Proclamation for her years of service and dedication. (Click here to view it.)

I was honored to be there that night when I was joined by an audience packed with dozens of Jan’s friends and colleagues from her years spent working in the Fairfax County Public Schools — as well as the entire City of Fairfax School Board, School Board Attorney Jack Rust, and School Board office staff Lynda Pierce and Hope Gibbs. We all came together to pay tribute to our dear friend.

It was quite a challenge for me to write a Proclamation for Jan that would adequately reflect her professional impact and personal influence on the City Schools. Of course, part of my problem was that I usually have Jan at the office to help write things, so I was not so confident on my own! But more than that, it was hard to capture all that she has done and who she is on one page. I did my best.

In the past few years as I worked closely with Jan, I saw how day after day she took on many varied responsibilities and handled them all efficiently and effectively. I learned soon after coming to the City School Board Office when I took over as Superintendent in 2007 that I only have to tell Jan something once and the work gets done. I am sure that everyone who has had the opportunity to be a colleague of Jan’s has a story about her work ethic and ability to get things done, and done well.

I also am sure that Jan’s capacity to make friends is something else that all present and former colleagues appreciated. Jan shared her life with us, and wanted to know about our families and interests, always remembering to ask about children and grandchildren, and was always concerned about our well-being. She loved having lunch dates, hearing the latest news, going to concerts and shows and enjoyed the company of friends. Her energy, enthusiasm and positive spirit made our little office at Sisson House in the City of Fairfax a much happier place. We miss her.

FCPS Superintendent Proposes FY 2011 Budget, Cuts Include FLES, Freshman Sports, 594 Positions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2010

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Jack D. Dale has released the school system’s FY 2011 Proposed Budget of $2.3 billion, which includes $104.8 million in cuts and cost avoidances, $3.4 million in new and increased fees, and a projected enrollment growth of 1,760 students.

The proposed budget includes a class size increase of one student, and the elimination of the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) program, general education summer school, all high school freshman sports, and 594 positions, including 81 in central office support for schools. The proposed budget also includes no salary increases for employees for a second consecutive year.

Superintendent's Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2011

This 55-slide Power Point presentation includes:

Membership trends in the City of Fairfax Schools
City / County membership comparisons
The number of Fairfax City residents attending City Schools
Ethnic comparison of student membership
Comparison of mobility by grade level
Student achievement data, and more.

Click here to download City Schools Superintendent Ann Monday’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2011

2010 Legislative Program: Positions on State and Federal Legislation, Policies, and Regulations

This 36-page document outlines the City of Fairfax City Council and School Board Joint Legislative Positions, information on Charter Schools, Education Funding – Federal and State, Educational Technology, Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization (NCLB), English Language Learners, Revenue Alternatives School Calendar, Special Education, Standards of Accreditation and Standards of Learning, Standards of Quality, and more.

Click here to download the 2010 Legislative Program

AVID about learning

Fairfax High students are benefitting from three-decades old program: Advancement Via Individual Determination

Leslie Payne and Naren Navarro are two seniors who are benefitting from another program called AVID — a program that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and targets students in the academic middle—B, C, and even D students—who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.

AVID was set up three decades ago to help students who are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the ﬁrst in the family to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track. Its focus is acceleration—not remediation. (For more visit www.avidonline.org.)

Naren, for instance, took all standard-level classes as a freshman, but admits that he had progressed through middle school and ninth-grade with minimal effort. He joined AVID as a sophomore, and the program increased his motivation and interest in learning. He and Leslie are both taking three AP classes their senior year.

AVID students also take an elective course each year, which helps them develop organizational skills, setting goals, an inquiry-centered learning mindset, and habits of mind for critical thinking and problem-solving.

The AVID elective class supports the efforts through tutorials and extensive work with Cornell Notes and other tools for academic success.

“The focus on the note-taking helped me greatly because the more rigorous curriculum covers more content and helped me organize and make meaning of the information in the quicker-paced classes,” says Leslie who, like Naren, will be the first in her family to attend college this fall.

Read about the visit to Fairfax High’s AVID program by former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings in the Winter 2009 issue of Close-Up.

Fairfax High has 14 National Merit Commended Scholars this year!

Congratulations to the 14 Fairfax High students named 2009-2010 National Merit Commended Scholars.

The students include: Arabella Ahn, Katherine Barlow, Jack Bechert, Aditya Bhatnagar, Anurag Bhatnagar, Yen-Ming Chen, John Gillen, Lailah Irani, Joo Young Jo, Gi Young Kim, Gary Kochetkov, Sathya Mathavan, Bailey McDade, and Carrol Vander Clute. This year we also have one National Merit Semifinalist, Emily Schutz.

How the competition works: Students are named National Merit Commended Scholars based on their high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT test that they take the spring before their senior year of high school. They must rank in the top 5 percent of the 1.4 million students at 21,000 schools that take the exam.

Photo by Ashleigh Davis, Fairfax High School

City of Fairfax School Board has a new student representative: Jonathan Earley.

Welcome to the City of Fairfax School Board’s new student representative from Fairfax High, Jonathan Earley. The senior is active in the band program as a percussionist, being a part of the marching band, winter drumline, and percussion ensemble. Outside of school, Jonathan is an Eagle Scout from Troop 1887 at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, and is an active member in youth activities at his church. He served as a Page for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2005. Some of his hobbies include making videos, photography, and politics.

Graduation 2009

“It was a tremendous honor to have Douglas Garcia speak at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said principal Scott Brabrand, who just weeks later learned he had been promoted to Cluster IV Assistant Superintendent for FCPS.

On June 15, Brabrand spoke about his four years at Fairfax High and told the class of 2009 “we entered the school as freshmen together, and all have learned important lessons in our time together.”

He then turned the podium over to commencement speaker Douglas Garcia, the assistant secretary of education for Virginia, which is part of Governor Kaine’s cabinet.

The native of El Salvador shared the story of his life as the son of immigrants, and the challenges he overcame to work his way to a top job in the Virginia education department. Read on for an excerpt of his speech.

Valedictorian Speaker Esha Pendharkar

Good afternoon class of 2009, family, friends, and faculty. Four years ago, this day seemed to be a distant dream, but today it is a reality. Our success today would not be possible without the love and support of our amazing parents, family, friends, teachers, and administrators. On behalf of the senior class, I would like to thank all of these distinguished individuals for standing by our sides through the highs and lows.

Each one of us comes from a unique background. Look around, and the diversity at Fairfax High is unmistakable. In fact, we are a majority minority school.

We have students who excel in math, others who hold a passion for language, and those who have a talent for art. We take part in different activities, from honor societies to sports to instruments to jobs. We seek to be doctors, teachers, lawyers, artists, athletes, engineers, and CEOs. We exhibit creativity, leadership, spirit, and dedication.

Lanier Honors: Students take home top academic, music awards

Special awards are given each year to Lanier Middle School students who exemplify a variety of leadership skills.

This year, the John Harris Citizenship Award went to 7th grader Bryce Gentry and 8th grader Casey Lawrence. The Mary Hovan Humanitarian Award, went to 7th grader Melissa Detios and 8th grader Hamid Cetinkaya. The grand prize, the Eagle of the Year Award honored 8th grader Leah Johnson (pictured right)

Last year she also took home a lion’s share of the awards, including the Mary Hovan Humanitarian Award, the Diplomat Team Award, and the DAR Award. In fact, this year’s Laura Elliot Writing Award also went to Johnson and to 8th grader Bobby Doyle.

Congrats to the Daniels Run winners of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence

Among the dozens of students graduating from 6th grade at Daniels Run this June was the group of children (pictured above) who took home the coveted President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Jacopo Gliozzi (pictured, center) was named the Most Outstanding 6th grade student of 2009.

“Congratulations to these students, and all the 6th graders who will be moving to Lanier next year,” says Daniels Run Principal Kathy Mullenix. “We know you will do a terrific job in middle school, and we will miss you.”

Providence Elementary School Student Ambassadors 2008-2009

With the goal of building a community at Providence Elementary, principal Joy Hanbury and her staff assembled a group of student ambassadors to walk visiting grown-up volunteers to the right classrooms, assist during special events such as Family Heritage Night and Read Across America day, and help students new to Providence to learn the ropes.

In fact, when Wandis Lu was new to school last year, she was paired with Providence ambassador Ninoska Claure. It turned out that Ninoska did such a great job making Wandis feel comfortable that this year she became an ambassador herself.
“This is such a great program, and Ninoska made me feel so comfortable and at home, that I wanted to participate.”

Spring 2009: School + Community = The Power of Working Together

Imagine a high school where students not only learn from textbooks and top-notch teachers, but work with professionals in the community who mentor, advise, and even hire them in the fields they hope to someday work.

There’s nothing futuristic about that scenario in the City of Fairfax Schools, where special programs have been implemented at each school that connect students to the community.

At Fairfax High’s Academy for Communications and the Arts, for instance, senior Michael Harrell (pictured at right) is enrolled in the graphics and photography program. In addition to learning the basics of design and working on cutting-edge computers, he’s getting experience creating ads and magazines for local companies that have hired his class to do a variety of graphics jobs that involve multimedia production, web and motion graphics development, 3-D modeling and animation.

Mighty Mentors: Students at Providence Elementary benefit rom the many mentors who come to school each week

Gary McKenzie has three grown sons (26, 23, and 21 years old), boys he raised on his own. When his youngest left for college, the CFO of the National Pest Management Association decided he wanted to help other local kids who might need assistance with academics and sports — or just a little encouragement.

When he learned about the Providence Mentoring Program at the elementary down the road from his Fairfax City office, he was one of the first to sign up.

“This program is great because it lets a guy like me who has always loved being a dad have the opportunity to provide assistance to local kids,” says McKenzie, who often tries to turn fun he has with the kids into learning opportunity — like when he brought his son’s old bug collection to show the kids.

Reading Rewards at Lanier Middle School

When George Mason University’s head basketball coach Jim Larranaga came to Lanier Middle School in February to talk about the Ticket to Reading Rewards program, he brought three players with him to show the middle school students that filled the auditorium what it means to be a champion.

“These athletes don’t just work hard on the court,” explains Larranaga, who is famous for helping Mason’s 2006 Men’s Basketball team became the first CAA team to make the Final Four. “They work hard in the classroom—and that’s where it counts.”

Diving into a good book is as rewarding as making a game-winning basket, he insisted, and shared his excitement about the new program launched in FCPS this year.

Fairfax High's National Merit Commended Scholars, 2008-2009

Congratulations to the Fairfax High School students who won the honor of being named National Merit Commended Scholars.

They include: Eun Bae, Josiah Case, Debajan Dasgupta, Jean DeOrnellas, Derek Ellison, Sheila Faalasli, Kelley Jensen, Collin Kourtz, Gada Lam, Francesca Lee, James Lee, David Moon, Phillip Murphy, Esha Pendharkar, Chloe Sevilla, Luke Tonia, Phoebe Torres, and Jackson Walters.

How the competition works

Students are named National Merit Commended Scholars based on their high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT test that they take the spring before their senior year of high school. They must rank in the top 5 percent of the 1.4 million students at 21,000 schools that take the exam.

Daniels Run’s GEMS: Girls Excelling in Math & Science

What turns girls off to math and science? It depends if you believe in the myths or reality, according to an August 2007 MSNBC.com article that outlines five myths the National Science Foundation believes endure about girls and science.

The myth: From the time they start school, most girls are less interested in science than boys are.

The reality: In kindergarten and first grade, about as many girls as boys have positive attitudes toward science.

“But by second grade, when students are asked to draw a scientist, most portray a white male in a lab coat,” the article reports. “Any woman scientist they draw looks severe and not very happy. The persistence of stereotypes start to turn girls off, and by eighth grade, boys are twice as interested in science, technology, engineering, and math careers as girls are.”

Congratulations Francesca Lee, winner of the 2008-2009 Harry F. Byrd Jr. Leadership Award

Fairfax High School senior Francesca E. Lee was presented with the prestigious Harry F. Byrd Jr. Leadership Award on Feb. 18, 2009 for her academic achievement, character, leadership, and good citizenship.

“Only one student is selected from each of the 11 Congressional districts in Virginia,” explains Maureen Kim, the FHS Career Center Specialist who was with Francesca when she received the award — and a $10,000 prize.

To find those top 11, three students from each district are selected as finalists and interviewed by a prestigious committee of state leaders: Senior Justice Harry L. Carrico, Supreme Court; Dr. John T. Casteen III, President, University of Virginia; Dr. Philip C. Stone, President, Bridgewater College; William C. Mims, Chief Deputy Attorney General; Harry F. Byrd III, President, Orchard Management Company and Thomas F. Byrd, President and Publisher of The Winchester Star.

Ode to Joy

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to Providence Elementary’s principal Joy Hanbury (pictured here with some of her kids), who is retiring in June. Hanbury has been at Providence since 2002, and her impact has been felt by everyone who has walked through the door.

“Joy Hanbury’s dedication to all children at Providence has resulted in continually improved student achievement,” says City Schools Superintendent Ann Monday. “She has created an environment where every child’s potential is nurtured. I will miss her positive and selfless leadership; she never hesitated to do whatever was necessary for the families in her school community.”

Hanbury — who in May won the prestigious Fairfax Futures’ 2009 School Readiness Educator Award in recognition of her accomplishments in creating partnerships and inspiring others to help young children make successful transitions to elementary school — says her career has been rich and incredibly rewarding.

Winter 2009: US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings Comes to Fairfax High

Just weeks before leaving office at the end of 2008, US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings visited Fairfax High School on November 19 to view the AVID program and observe other cutting-edge initiatives it has embarked on with the goal of improving students’ 21st Century Skills.

As one of the principal authors of the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, Spellings said throughout her four-year tenure, “We cannot prepare students for the global economy if we don’t get them to grade level ﬁrst.” In 2005 she convened a Commission on the Future of Higher Education to recommend reform at the post-secondary level.

The reason for concern, she explained during her trip to FHS, is that students are not being adequately prepared to land jobs after they graduate from high school. Spellings pointed to a national survey of human resource executives that reported:

• Nearly 70% believe high school graduates fall short when it comes to critical thinking skills
• 81% say high school grads have deﬁcient writing skills
• Almost 1/3 said they will reduce their hiring of employees that
only have a high school diploma

Understanding 21st Century Schools

Photo by Steve Barrett, http://inkandescentpr.com/article/?c=steve-barrett

By Ann Monday, Superintendent
City of Fairfax Schools

Now that we are almost a decade into the 21st century, the reality that the future is now is inescapable. Recent events make it clear that our survival as a nation depends upon a workforce ready to compete in a very different world.

In recognition of the challenges of the 21st century, a consortium of business and education leaders formed the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a group that developed a vision for student success in the new global economy. Its goal: To serve as a catalyst to position 21st Century Skills at the center of US K-12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community and government leaders.

Fairfax Food Frenzy: City Schools’ students collect food for the homeless

by Sarah Hardenbergh
Marketing Education Teacher, Fairfax High

WITH THE FLUCTUATING STATE of the economy, area food banks have been hit hard as they work to cope with an increase in demand for food and a decrease in supply.

Three students from the Fairfax High School marketing program DECA—Mike Kim, Mylee Sabarre, and Byran Bradley—decided the best thing they could do to give back to the community at holiday time was to lend a helping hand and increase awareness about the problem.

City School Leaders: Winter 2009

AMIR Hobson is one of those teens who breaks the mold, says Lanier’s testing coordinator and intern Diana White.

“His winning personality and solid character grab a teacher’s attention at the beginning of a school year, and never lets it go. Most of his teachers have commented on his outstanding character and admit they wish for sons just like Amir, who excels academically and finds time for many important civic activities at school and in the community. This National Junior Honor Society member exemplifies scholarship, character, and leadership.

“After I finish grade school I’d like to go to one of the best colleges in America like Harvard or Yale,” Amir says. “I know how hard it is to be accepted into colleges, so I’m trying to get the best head start I can.”

Future Problem-Solvers

At Providence Elementary, students are working on how to think, not what to think through a successful program called the Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI). Established by an organization that creates hundreds of problem solving activities for students in grades K-12, students in grades 4-6 are working weekly to master new skills.

The program spans a variety of disciplines and content areas, and topics are selected from three strands: business and economics, science and technology, and social and political issues.