Dear FCCPS Community,

The FCCPS theme for the year is “FCCPS, Changing Lives Since 1949.” We are using Margaret Mead’s quote to highlight that change comes because of the dedication of committed people.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Over the years, the committed people of Falls Church have made a difference in our school community. Each one of us has the opportunity to be part of the community, and the schools benefit from the involvement of parents and community in so many areas. In celebration of our 75th year, I encourage you to get involved in the schools. Join the PTA or PTSA, the Athletic, Band or Choral Boosters. Be a room parent. Volunteer to help at school. Share your professional expertise through the Business in Education Partnership.

Feeling sick? Stay home!
Falls Church is experiencing an uptick in illnesses, including Covid-19. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the directions from the school and public health nurse (which includes staying home for 5 days). Secondary students who miss class because of illness can use Schoology to remain updated on work and assignments. Teachers will update material regularly. When elementary students miss school due to illness, parents should contact the teacher for assignments. FCCPS will not be livestreaming classes.

In addition to remaining home when ill, it is also important to get vaccinated against the flu, RSV, and COVID. There are new boosters now approved. Please talk to your health care provider and visit Vaccines.gov for more information.

Religious Holiday Observances
This is the first year that FCCPS is following regulation CC-R School Calendar Religious Holiday Expectations, and this month will be the first religious holidays. Rosh Hashanah begins Friday, September 15, and Yom Kippur is September 25. It is important that FCCPS staff and the community review and understand this regulation. This language below is from the regulation, which is based on School Board Policy CC that the Board adopted last October. For the full regulation, follow this link CC-R School Calendar.

FCCPS teachers shall create lessons or activities on designated religious holidays that:

a. Reinforce previously introduced material or new material provided that the lesson content is made available to students using the learning management

system and the teacher follows up directly with students who miss the lesson.

b. Engage students in meaningful learning.

c. Ensure that the religious holiday is not the sole opportunity to engage in lessons or activities presented on that day.

d. Teachers are encouraged to share information about religious holidays with their students in order to support students’ and staff’s understanding of such holidays. Information will be provided by the Director of Equity and Excellence.

e. Graded assignments, assessments, or activities due the day following a a religious holiday should be announced at least one week prior to the due date.

As much as practical, FCCPS teachers and staff shall not schedule the following activities on the religious holidays listed in Policy CC - School Calendar, recognizing

some holidays begin the evening before at sundown:

a. Tests, quizzes, or other assessments;

b. Field trips, school pictures, guest speakers, or assemblies;

c. School-sponsored special events and activities (e.g., prom, back-to-school nights);

d. Sporting events (unless required by the Virginia High School League)

e. Auditions or tryouts that cannot be rescheduled; and

f. Safety drills which occur 1-2 times per year including tornado, earthquake, and lockdown drills.

If parents or school employees have questions about this, they should contact their school administrator.

Student Recognition
Congratulations to these high school award winners!

Four Meridian students earned national recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program Award.

Alessio Azimipour: NHRA, National Hispanic Recognition Award
Bethany Michael: NAARA, National African American Recognition Award
Jack Freas: NHRA, National Hispanic Recognition Award
Mateo Ratheau: NHRA, National Hispanic Recognition Award

Five Meridian seniors were recognized this week as National Merit Semi-Finalists. Congratulations to

Tucker Albaugh
Lucas Hollinger
Joseph Ziayee
William Kroboth
Matthew Janicki

What's Coming Up Next? Please Participate:

Tag Day - September 23

The Meridian HS Musicians will be out and about in Falls Church next Saturday Sept 23 for Tag Day. They will be asking for contributions in exchange for some lovely music played at your door or on your street. Thanks for your generosity!

Run for the Schools - September 24

We will have more than 1,000 people out there running for our schools on Sunday, September 24. This is always an amazing event, with a great t-shirt. Register today www.fcedf.org.

Walk, Bike & Roll To School Day - October 4

We hope to see lots of students and families walking, biking or rolling through the City! The Health & Wellness Committee is working with PTAs, Boosters and Bike Falls Church to develop a fun and safe event for the community. If you want to volunteer to help out, contact Cyndi Bohlin from the Health & Wellness Committee cyndis@gmail.com.

Little City Scramble Golf Tournament - October 4

Golfers are invited to join in this fun event courtesy of the Falls Church Ed Foundation and Mustang Athletic Boosters on Wednesday, October 4. Registration on www.fcedf.org

As Superintendent of Schools, it is my honor to lead this division into our 75th year, and I look forward to working with many of you in the coming months.

Peter Noonan
FCCPS Superintendent of Schools

Falls Church City Public Schools

2024-25 Messages

December 2024

October 2024

August 29, 2024

August 2024

2023-24 Messages

June 2024

May 2024

March 2024

January 2024

December 2023

October/November 2023

September 2023