English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

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.

Marcia’s Message

The past several weeks have been full, productive, and deeply inspiring across the Franconia District. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue engaging with students, families, educators, and community partners as we work together to strengthen our schools and our broader community.

Since the last newsletter I have participated in Governance Committee meetings, Regular School Board Meeting, the SCYPT Meeting, the MSAOC Meeting, a Joint Budget Hearing, All-Day Work Sessions, and the Public Hearing on the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. These meetings reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency, thoughtful planning, and ensuring that every decision keeps students at the center while honoring our responsibility to the community.  

It was also a joy to see student leadership in action during the School Board Student Leadership Development Program and to witness inclusion and opportunity at the Adaptive Baseball Camp at TJHSST. These moments remind us that when we invest in young people, we invest in a stronger future for all.

February, though the shortest month of the year, was filled with meaningful reflection and celebration. As we observed Valentine’s Day, we were reminded to lead with compassion and kindness. During Black History Month, we honored the strides of civil rights leaders whose courage and sacrifice continue to shape our nation.

In the Franconia District, we were fortunate to host extraordinary activist Dolores Huerta, who was a contemporary of leaders reminiscent of Coretta Scott King, Jesse Jackson, and John R. Lewis whose messages echoed the spirit of — calling us to action, unity, and service.

At Lewis High School, students had the opportunity to hear directly from Ms. Huerta as she encouraged them to take charge of their future, use their voices, and recognize their power to create change. Her message to students was clear: leadership is not reserved for a select few, it belongs to those willing to stand up, speak out, and organize for what is right.  I spoke with Ms. Huerta after an amazing day at Lewis and she was encouraged to take part in the Lewis Student Leadership Program, it reminded her of what it means to start “Good Trouble”.

Supervisor Rodney Lusk gave a tour of the transformative WISH Center to Ms. Huerta. I am deeply honored to have worked alongside him and community leaders to host a Meet and Greet after the tour at the Hybla Valley Community Center. Ms. Huerta, who coined the powerful rallying cry “Sí Se Puede” — “Yes We Can” — has shaped generations of leaders through her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment. To welcome her into our community was more than an event; it was a moment of intergenerational connection, civic engagement, and collective inspiration.

Her presence reminded us that real change is built through courage, organized action, and a deep belief in the power of everyday people. It was especially meaningful to create a space where young leaders, families, and community members could hear directly from someone whose legacy continues to influence movements across the nation.

This collaboration reflects what is possible when local leadership, community organizations, and public servants come together with shared purpose. “Sí Se Puede” is not just a slogan,  it is a responsibility we carry forward in our work every day. Grateful for the partnership. Grateful for the wisdom shared. And grateful to continue building communities where every voice matters. It is a privilege to serve you, and I remain committed to advancing excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student and every family in our district.   Best Regards,

Focus on Franconia

Hayfield Elementary Celebrates Its Therapy Dog Author! Hayfield Elementary’s beloved therapy dog, Charlie, is now a published author! Charlie, along with his mom, Peggy Gendive, has written “Charlie, the Border Collie Without a Job,” a heartwarming book available in both English and Spanish. Families who wish to purchase a copy can find it on Amazon or at the Barnes & Noble in Springfield.  We are so proud to celebrate this exciting achievement in our Hayfield Elementary community!

Lewis High School:  Transforming Vision into Action  As the senior manager of the John Lewis Leadership Program (LLP), Deborah March took the inspiration of a name change and turned it into a living legacy for the students and staff at John R. Lewis High School.  Recognizing her work as manager of LLP, Deborah was named FCPS’ Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee last year. Read more about her journey with the leadership program.

FCPS Launches ARTiFAX, Honoring Teen Artists With 299 Awards

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) launched ARTiFAX, an art recognition program for teen artists in grades 7–12. The program honors artistic excellence and highlights visual arts education diversity. The ARTiFAX Awards recognized 299 student artworks across various categories, celebrating both technical skill and artistic intent. Each school selected a “Best In School” honoree to further acknowledge local talent. An exhibition of award-winning artworks will be held at Northern Virginia Community College from February 12 to March 13, with the awards ceremony on February 25. ARTiFAX reinforces FCPS's commitment to supporting young artists and arts education.  Here are our Franconia honorees and for the full list visit the FCPS website.

External Athletics Investigation at Fairfax HS and Hayfield SS Completed

An independent outside investigation of allegations surrounding student athlete transfers and eligibility practices at Fairfax High School and Hayfield Secondary School has determined there were violations of Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules in 2024. The findings and recommendations have been provided to the School Board and Superintendent who implemented numerous corrective measures in 2025 to close the identified gaps in division systems and processes to ensure future compliance with VHSL standards and rules. The investigation regarding the allegations was conducted by the law firm of Baker McKenzie, LLP. More detailed information about the investigation and findings is available on the FCPS website.

806 FCPS Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars

Eight hundred six FCPS students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This represents an 11% increase in Commended Scholars for FCPS compared to 2024. In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC has honored these students by sending Letters of Commendation to them through their high schools.

Hayfield Secondary School Saturday, March 21 10:00am-4:00pm 7630 Telegraph Road Hayfield Secondary's Class of 2026 All Night Grad Party (ANGP) is looking for YOUR generous SUPPORT! For several years now, the ANGP has offered Hayfield's graduating seniors a FUN and SAFE drug/alcohol/smoke free event to acknowledge their recent milestone and to give them one last opportunity to celebrate together with their classmates. To help make this happen, our ANGP committee, along with the seniors and their parents, plans many fundraising opportunities throughout the year.  Once again, the ANGP committee is hosting their annual craft fair. You don't want to miss it! Questions?  Email angp@hssptsa.org

Sandburg Middle School CARES of the Quarter Recipient Celebrated for Celebrating Others  Sandburg Middle School Instructional Assistant Jae Lemeshewsky, affectionately known as Ms. L, was recently celebrated as the FCPS CARES of the Quarter award recipient.  Ms. L, an instructional assistant at Sandburg, is known for greeting every student and colleague with warmth and kindness. Her special welcome tradition for new staff, a potted plant and a $2 bill, has become a beloved part of Sandburg’s culture, symbolizing growth, good fortune, and the lasting impact of small acts of care.  Read her CARES nomination.

Riverside Elementary School Linneall Naylor: Discovering Her Ancestors and Sharing Their Stories For decades people have been exploring their family history through genealogical research, but when mail-in DNA ancestry test kits were introduced over 20 years ago, everything changed. Test results often upended what people thought they knew about themselves and their family history. For Linneall Naylor, getting the results of her DNA test 10 years ago was life-changing, revealing surprising ancestry, previously unknown family connections, and deep roots in Virginia, especially in Fairfax County. Her results put her on a path of research and discovery, igniting a passion to uncover her family history and share the stories of her ancestors. Learn more about Linneall Naylor and her search for her ancestors in the February issue of the Golden Gazette.

Student Opportunities

^{Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.}

Join Fairfax County Youth MOVE!

Do you have experience navigating social services or mental health services OR have you needed services and not been able to access them? Do you want to use these experiences to educate professionals, advocate with program designers, and empower other young people to share their stories?? Then Fairfax County Youth MOVE is the group for you!!!

We meet every Sunday @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm and the meetings are hybrid, so you have the option of joining online or coming to the JSSA office in Fairfax. Chapter Members will be:

• Given a stipend 12.00 an hour for meetings, trainings, and events
• Compensated for childcare
• Assisted in accessing transportation

We are asking you to commit to an average of 10 hours a month for at least 1 year. Applicants must be Fairfax County residents and between 14 and 22 years old.  Apply here