Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) is immensely proud to announce the selection of three of its pioneering educational programs for inclusion in the Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) Showcases of Success. These initiatives are a testament to FCCPS's commitment to innovative and impactful educational experiences that foster community engagement and student development.
STEAM Night at Oak Street Elementary
FCCPS's dedication to integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education across grade levels is embodied in Oak Street Elementary's annual STEAM Night. This event has evolved into a platform where students transition from learners to leaders. Initially redesigned in 2018, the program enhances students' agency by enabling them to develop and present STEAM concepts to the community. Students use their STEAM classes to prepare educational activities directly tied to their academic standards and International Baccalaureate (IB) unit planners, allowing them to apply their knowledge in engaging, real-world contexts. The growth of this program is evident in its attendance, which now exceeds one thousand attendees, and its influence on inspiring younger students to take active roles in their learning journeys.
GIVE Day – “Get Involved, Value Everyone”
GIVE Day represents a significant pillar of FCCPS's commitment to community service and the development of globally-minded students. Starting with 5th-grade student ambassadors and the Falls Church Elementary PTA, GIVE Day has expanded to involve students at all educational levels, embodying the values of the International Baccalaureate and Harvard's “Making Caring Common” project. Annually held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this initiative encourages students and their families to engage in diverse activities, from assembling food packs for local and international relief to crafting thank-you cards for veterans and first responders. This program not only aids numerous charitable causes but also cultivates a lasting ethos of empathy and social responsibility among students.
Community-Engaged Medical Shadowing Program
The Community-Engaged Medical Shadowing Program at Meridian High School stands as a bridge between academic theory in human anatomy and physiology and practical exposure to the medical field. This program equips juniors and seniors with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience by shadowing professionals in various medical careers. Beyond just observing, students are tasked with initiating contact and managing their schedules, enhancing their professional communication and etiquette. The program has been lauded for its effectiveness in providing students with a clearer perspective on potential career paths, fostering meaningful community connections, and enhancing participants' educational and career trajectories.
About the VSBA Showcases of Success
The VSBA Showcases of Success serve as an annual spotlight on exemplary programs from across Virginia's school divisions. They promote positive awareness and demonstrate the profound transformative power of public education initiatives in shaping the lives of students and their communities.
Falls Church City Public Schools is honored by this recognition and remains committed to leading the way in educational innovation and community engagement.