Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.
Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group
Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Chantilly: That ‘It’ Moment
Mighty Marching Chargers compete at regional competition.
The 170-student strong Mighty Marching Chargers, Chantilly High School’s marching band, competed in the Bands of America Regional Championship at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Twenty-seven marching bands from nine states participated in the competition. The Mighty Marching Chargers placed fourth in their class and tenth in the finals round. They earned the highest score the band has ever earned in 15 years of competing in Band of America events.
Seeing the Childhood of an Iconic Character
Chantilly High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Most people are familiar with the story of “Peter Pan,” but don’t know how he became the boy who never grew up. So Chantilly High is telling his prequel in its upcoming play, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Fairfax County: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent
Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.
Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Mount Vernon: Quander Road School provides flexible, family-like special education experience
Within the first week of the 2016-2017 school year, teachers at the Quander Road School in Mount Vernon had already finished their jobs for five students. For that select group, they were ready to return to their base high school and transition back to a less restrictive educational experience.
Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion
School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.
Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.
Snapshot: Chantilly Homecoming Court
Members of the Chantilly Homecoming Court gather at the Chantilly-Herndon football game on Friday, Sept. 23: (From left) Lindsay Barnes, Siobhan Reardon, Jill Cymerman, Alexis Weeren, Caroline Barnes, TJ Walter, Zach Cummins, Karim Shoorbajee, and Ken Roberts.
Centreville’s Jesse Kraft Leads Coates Elementary
With 21 years in education, former Providence Elementary principal moves into new role.
With 21 years in education, Jesse Kraft, age 42, of Centreville was named the new principal of Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School on River Birch Road in Herndon, on July 7. He is replacing former principal Toni Rose who moved into administration with Fairfax County Public Schools. He will be overseeing 740 students with a staff of about 95, including five full-time ESOL teachers. Coates is a part of the Westfield Pyramid.
Homework Overload
Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.
Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.
Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.
On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.