Students sign the ribbon that was cut for the grand opening of Skyview High School.

Three Days Until the First Day of School!

Are you ready? Join our countdown on Facebook and Instagram! The first day of school is Monday, August 24. Share in the countdown fun with us and make sure you, too, are ready for #FirstDayFairfax!

A Few Things to Check Before Monday

There is so much to look forward to as we do our final preparations for the start of a new school year! Here are some quick reminders for FCPS families before they head to school on Monday Morning.

• Make sure your child’s MySchoolBucks account has funds if they plan to buy breakfast or lunch at school, or apply for free and reduced-price meals.
• Customize your child’s internet activity on their FCPS-issued device by visiting the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide.
• Check your child’s school schedule in SIS ParentVUE. Remember to download the new SIS ParentVUE app before Monday.
• If your child uses FCPS transportation services, including riding the school bus, be on the lookout for information from your child’s school about how they will provide you with a new student ID card.
• Before the start of school, make sure to submit your child’s immunization documentation or Immunization Action Plan if you have an appointment scheduled to complete the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.
• Review the What’s New webpage for additional changes FCPS is making for the 2026-27 school year.

Changes to Student Technology Use Beginning School Year 2026-27

FCPS is updating how students use technology during the 2026-27 school year to continue supporting purposeful, developmentally appropriate, and balanced technology use.

The updates include new expectations for personal devices during the school day, pre-K and kindergarten device use, an elementary device take-home option, and required digital literacy instruction for all students.

What's Changing

Personal Devices: Students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the school day. Personally owned laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and other personal computing and communication devices are not allowed during the instructional day except in approved circumstances, including certain IEP, Section 504, or course-specific needs. Find more information on the Updates to Student Bring Your Own Device webpage.

Pre-K and Kindergarten Students: FCPS-issued laptops and tablets will not be used by pre-k and kindergarten students. Limited exceptions remain for students who require access to and use of such devices for Individualized Education Plans, 504 plans, translation purposes, or multilingual education support. 

Opt-Outs for Taking Elementary Devices Home: Families of students in Grades 1 to 6 may choose not to have their child's FCPS-issued device sent home. Families can make the selection through the Parent Digital Consent Application or contact their child's school. Students who do not take a device home will continue to have access to required technology at school.

Digital Literacy: All students will receive required instruction in digital citizenship, media and information literacy, and AI literacy. Digital literacy lessons do not require students to use technology, including generative AI tools. 

Crossing Guard Changes for High Schools

As part of last year’s County budgeting process, we would like to remind you that all high school crossing guards were eliminated, which impacts the following schools:

• Annandale High School 
• Centreville High School 
• Chantilly High School 
• Edison High School  
• Oakton High School 
• South County High School 
• South Lakes High School 
• West Potomac High School 
• West Springfield High School 

Crossing guards will remain at our secondary schools including:

• Hayfield Secondary School
• Lake Braddock Secondary School
• Robinson Secondary School

We encourage students, families, and drivers to use extra caution when traveling to and from school, follow all traffic laws, and remain alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Because traffic patterns may be different, please allow a few extra minutes when arriving at or departing from school. We appreciate your patience and attention to this matter.

Get Ready for Day One with the FCPS App!