Happy Friday everyone. I hope you have big plans for this weekend. This is the third installment of The Road to Reopening, and you can now expect it every Friday as we close in on the start of school August 24th. This issue is focused heavily on K-5 (MDES, TJES), and next week’s edition will be more Secondary focused again. However, please take a read through as... READ MORE >

Happy Friday and the day before the 4th of July! This is the second installment of The Road to Reopening, and you can now expect it every Friday as we close in on the start of school August 24th. This issue is focused heavily on Secondary (Henderson and GMHS), and next week’s edition will be more Elementary focused. However, please take a read through as we are one... READ MORE >

The Falls Church School Board is beginning a process to consider whether to rename two of the division's schools; George Mason High and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools. During a lengthy discussion Tuesday night, and following receipt of over 120 public comments in recent weeks, the Board reached a consensus that a thoughtful reconsideration of the schools'... READ MORE >

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable weekend. This is a new communication that I plan to send weekly to update you as we continue our plans for our reopening on August 24th. The intention is to send it on Fridays going forward but this week you will get two editions...today and Friday. This communication is to share quick clarifying... READ MORE >

Dear FCCPS Families and Community, This has been an unprecedented year and I would like to begin by saying thank you. Your work as parents, dedication to your children’s education, and care were amplified at the end of the school year in a brilliant and beautiful way. Through your partnerships with our teachers and your efforts, our students in FCCPS were widely... READ MORE >

It is our great pleasure to share the 2020 FCCPS Celebration of Excellence video. It showcases 16 FCCPS employees who were nominated for Falls Church Education Teacher of the Year; Support Staff Employee of the Year and Professional Specialist of the Year. We all wish we could recognize the honorees for all the FCCPS awards in person, and look forward to... READ MORE >

Today, Mary Ellen Henderson Principal Valerie Hardy unveiled the administrative team for the coming years along with the addition of a new special education leader. The announcement came in a letter to MEHMS staff and families - Building a team of leaders is essential for every strong organization. As a division and as a school, the growth and development of... READ MORE >

Mary Ellen Henderson Career Technology Education instructor, Dr. Ray Wu-Rorrer, has won a Gerald Day Excellence in Authorship Award from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). Dr. Wu-Rorrer was honored with the Top Peer-Reviewed Article by a Classroom Instructor award for an article written last fall - "Developing a STEAM... READ MORE >

June 5, 2020Versión en español a continuación Dear FCCPS Families and Staff, Well...what a school year it has been. This Friday Update will be the last I will send for the foreseeable future as the school year is officially coming to an end. However, do be on the lookout in the next several weeks for another community survey to help inform our reopening... READ MORE >

During a Special Electronic Meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2020, the Falls Church School Board unanimously approved the following statement condemning violence, supporting peaceful protest, and reaffirming the Board’s commitment to equity. --- STATEMENT OF THE FALLS CHURCH SCHOOL BOARD June 4, 2020 The Falls Church City School Board stands in unity with the... READ MORE >

Photo: Some of this year's Mentors and Mentees Falls Church City Public Schools is recognizing the end of the second year of its mentoring program set up for teachers who are in their first year with FCCPS. The FCCPS Mentoring Program was initiated in the 2018/19 academic year, to help facilitate the onboarding of new teachers to FCCPS by providing support in... READ MORE >

Dear Members of the FCCPS Community, (Vea a continuación la versión en español) Over the past week, our nation has seen coast to coast responses including protesting and riots in response to the recent and untimely deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. While these deadly incidents did not occur in our community, their affect is certainly... READ MORE >

May 29, 2020 Versión en español a continuación Friday Update Dear FCCPS Families and Staff, The end of the year is drawing near...this is the last Friday for our students. We are almost to the finish line, and I am so thankful to you - Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff - for making it happen for our students this spring. During unusual... READ MORE >

The Falls Church School Board unanimously approved the school division's Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget; a once-promising financial plan derailed by a global pandemic. The $52,191,532 revenue and spending plan represents a $2.4 million decrease over the School Board's pre-pandemic Advertised Budget. The adjustment eliminates salary improvements for staff but does not... READ MORE >

Congratulations to Colter Adams for his outstanding achievement. He has been named one of 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars based on outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Colter above is shown in a meeting for The Lasso, GM's online newspaper, where he served this year as the Managing Editor. As a four-year contributor to The Lasso,... READ MORE >

May 22, 2020 Versión en español a continuación This year, like all school years, has been marked by milestones and waypoints. However, this year’s waypoints have been very different...March 13th (Friday the 13th) - school closure, March 18th - the start of online learning, Spring Break, April 13th - the start of new instruction, and now we are at Memorial... READ MORE >

May 15, 2020 Versión en español a continuación This is longer than usual so get a cool drink, settle in, and read…:) Dear FCCPS Families and Staff, It has been another interesting week in FCCPS. Thank you all for your continued support of our schools. I mentioned in my weekly Wednesday @peternoonan Twitter message that we, as a... READ MORE >

George Mason senior, Niharika Singhvi, is among the 2,500 recipients of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's $2,500 scholarships. Singhvi, who plans to study public policy (perhaps at the University of Virginia), is currently the Student Representative on the Falls Church School Board. Congratulations, Niharika!The National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners... READ MORE >

May 8, 2020 Versión en español a continuación Dear FCCPS Families, Another week has come to a close here in our FCCPS learning community. This was a special time, as it was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. We are so grateful to our community for their thoughtful recognition and appreciation of our teachers and staff. The cards, emails, social... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) is proud to recognize Thomas Jefferson Elementary fifth-grade teacher Layton McCann as the Falls Church Education Foundation 2020 Teacher of the Year! McCann, one of ten teachers nominated this year, was selected by an anonymous panel of judges comprising past Teacher of the Year nominees from other school divisions.... READ MORE >

May 1, 2020 Versión en español a continuación Dear FCCPS Families and Staff, May 1st has arrived, and we are moving into the last full month of school. As you all know, every day, my family (though usually only the two adults) tries to take a long walk to maintain exercise and mental health. We spend this time reflecting on our current and collective situation.... READ MORE >

Congratulations go to these five Mustangs for being accepted into the highly selective summer residential Virginia Governor's School programs: Charlie Adams Agriculture top left Hunter Hicks Agriculture top center Emily Ives Visual and Performing Arts bottom left Constance Meade Visual and Performing Arts bottom center, andEva Williams top right for the... READ MORE >

The GMHS Bands and IB Music students are excited to announce the premiere of their YouTube channel, Music from the Heart. The new channel is dedicated to music performances saluting heroes of the pandemic. Student performances will include original compositions, solo and virtual group performances, and a series of dedications as seen through students' eyes. The... READ MORE >

Versión en español a continuación Dear FCCPS Families, I hope you and your family are doing well, are healthy, and safe. This has been another remarkable week in the Falls Church City Public Schools. Your students, our teachers, and you are making it happen, and for that, we are grateful. Last week, I sent you an article that described... READ MORE >

This new view of the Mustang's home turf is currently available only to construction workers, but in 9 months it will be a reality for all staff and students of George Mason HS. The photo was taken from the top floor of the new high school during a site walk-through. The crew is on schedule, working to achieve the "dry-in" phase when interior work will begin. You... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools is proud to announce that the 2020 Support Staff Employee of the Year is Luis Sort0, a paraprofessional at George Mason High School. Luis Sorto is a key member of the Mason team. As a paraprofessional for nearly twenty years, he has worked with hundreds of students who need close attention and support. He shows his students how... READ MORE >

Versión en español a continuación We have finished up the first week of ‘new’ instruction, and the first full month of online instruction. It is amazing to reflect on how far we have come! Thank you again for all of your support during this time. Below you will find our latest updates on the many projects we are continuing to work on during the closure to keep... READ MORE >

Dear FCCPS Families, Welcome back to school! I hope you all had a great spring break, albeit different, and you and your students feel ready for the challenge of new material. This week marks a turning point for us in FCCPS insofar as we will begin to introduce new content to our students PK-12. As mentioned previously, we would much prefer to be face-to-face, but... READ MORE >

All Henderson students and staff are invited to show their school spirit this week as post-spring-break kicks off the presentation of new content for the online learning. Spirit week themes are"Twos-day" Tuesday Share two pictures: one of your “school at home” outfit and one of what you’d wear if you were at Henderson."Windowsday" Wednesday Snap a shot of the... READ MORE >

With the cancelation of Standards of Learning tests this year, modifications made to the upcoming International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement assessments, and the need to prepare for summer instruction, the Falls Church School Board is shortening the current school year by 13 days to June 4th for students and June 5th for teachers and staff. The change is... READ MORE >

Tuesday Update En español abajo Dear FCCPS Family, Happy last day of March. We are a week from the official Spring Break, and while we may not be able to do all the things we want during the holiday, it is my hope that during the break you can all feel some modicum of relief by not having to stay on your kids about getting their work done. We... READ MORE >

Please remember! If COVID-19 closures have resulted in a change in your family's income, you could be eligible for assistance through the National School Lunch program. FCCPS accepts applications for the Free Reduced Meals Program at all times. Please visit https://www.fccps.org/o/FCCPS/page/free-reduced-meals--14 to download the application for the FRM program.... READ MORE >

Friday Update March 27, 2020 En español abajo Dear FCCPS Family Thank you for your continued support of our schools. As Team FCCPS continues to meet, we have all reflected on how fortunate we are to work in a small school division where we can know our kids, our families, and each other in ways that support strong relationships and care. Congratulations to... READ MORE >

Yesterday (Monday, March 23rd) was an emotional and sad day for our school system. I understand your sadness, frustration, and concern about the decision. Regardless, I am confident that we will move forward in a way that continues to be supportive of our students. We are strong, we are together, and we are @FCCPS (#bettertogether). Last night, I joined School... READ MORE >

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced this afternoon, at his press conference, all public schools in the Commonwealth will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. The news is not what we were hoping for or expecting, but together we will get through this. It was only ten days ago we announced our closure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).... READ MORE >

FCCPS Principals are sharing their schools' e-learning plans for the weeks ahead. In addition to sharing via email and Schoology, the plans are also found in the specific schools COVID-19 Information pages and in the FCCPS app. MD COVID-19 MEH COVID-19 gadellm@fccps.org. Speaking will be done via the call-in number. Thank you all for your continued... READ MORE >

In the District X Band Assessment at W. Potomac High School on Friday night, Mason band musicians performed three prepared pieces as well as competing in a separate sight-reading assessment, along with bands from Fairfax County and Alexandria. The GM students earned achieved superior ratings from all four judges, performing the most difficult level "6" music. Only... READ MORE >

In its first year in Region 3, the George Mason Girls Basketball team is making quite a statement. After losing 5 of their first seven games in the new, tougher league, the Lady Mustangs turned it around over Winter Break and have been on a 14-2 tear since New Year's Day. Saturday, they pulled off another upset, a 39-31 victory over 2nd ranked Brentsville to... READ MORE >

The Virginia Department of Health announced there are 2 presumptive positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Northern Virginia; a Fort Belvoir resident and a City of Fairfax resident in his 80s both of whom recently traveled abroad. The Virginia Department of Health and Fairfax County Health Department held a press conference Sunday, March 8. With... READ MORE >

On Tuesday evening, the Falls Church School Board unanimously approved its Advertised Budget for the 2020-2021 school year. Reflecting an investment in our students, our staff, and our schools, the budget includes a step increase for eligible employees, and a 1% Cost of Living Adjustment for all FCCPS staff members. The $54.6 million budget, which now heads to the... READ MORE >

On Monday, Superintendent Peter Noonan continued the presentation tour of his FY2020-21 Proposed Budget. Dr. Noonan met with staff members at Mount Daniel Elementary (above) in the morning and that evening held a Community Meeting to share the budget plan at Thomas Jefferson Elementary (below) "This is my ninth year as a superintendent in the Commonwealth of... READ MORE >

The current George Mason High School building has served students honorably for over 68 years, two years longer than its namesake was alive for. Many of the design features and systems are obsolete due to advances in modern technology. This has resulted in wasted resources and energy, a fact that students, community members and architects of the new high school... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools announced 16 nominees for FCCPS Employee Awards on Wednesday, January 22. Colleagues, students, and parents made the nominations based on their exceptional dedication to the students and community of Falls Church. A "Prize Patrol" including Superintendent Peter Noonan, Chief Academic Officer William Bates, Chief Financial Officer... READ MORE >

Fees for Summer Day Camp operated by the FCCPS Extended Day Care Program will rise two percent this summer. EDCP, which is self-supported, charge fees to recover costs. The Day Care Advisory Board approved the increase last week and, per current policy, the School Board signed off on it as well, Tuesday night. The program cites increases in staff wages, cost of... READ MORE >

FCCPS Video, Photos/Michael TimpaneProduced by: Carol SlyGeorge Mason High and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle schools are expanding Career and Technical Education opportunities throughout all subject areas. Whether it is in English Class or a science course, CTE is being used to extend and enhance learning opportunities. This expansion was highlighted in a recent... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) Superintendent Peter Noonan presented a $54.6 million Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21) operating budget to the Falls Church School Board on January 14. The proposed budget is balanced, for the second year in a row falls within Falls Church City Council Budget Guidance, and provides a competitive wage increase for school... READ MORE >

Four years into Falls Church City Public School's Stop-Arm Camera program and it continues catching violators, and the fines continue to roll in. In 2019, a total of 1,082 citations were issued to drivers who passed a Falls Church school bus with its red lights flashing. For the first five months of the current fiscal year (July through November), the program... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools is thrilled to announce the new FCCPS app! It's everything FCCPS, in your pocket! With the new app, you can access staff directories, lunch menus, news updates, and even emergency notifications. Best of all, YOU control what notifications you receive! Download the app on Android: https://bit.ly/30xyIV5 or iPhone:... READ MORE >

Falls Church City Public Schools is now accepting interest applications from Falls Church City residents for tuition placements at Jessie Thackrey Preschool for the 2020-2021 school year. Spaces in the classrooms are first reserved for preschoolers with special needs and then for those at risk according to Virginia Preschool Initiative guidelines. A limited number... READ MORE >

FCCPS is offering free English classes for the parents and adult family members of FCCPS students with sessions beginning on January 14th. The beginner level (Nivel Principiante) will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and the intermediate level (Nivel Intermedio) will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Both sessions will be held in the Family Resource Center at... READ MORE >

Our three choir teachers, Ms. Sample, Ms. Carpel, and Ms. Reid are delighted to announce the newly approved FCCPS CHORAL BOOSTERS. Like other FCCPS Booster groups, Choral Boosters will support our teachers and singers in their many activities, including school performances, community outreach, clinics and competitions, fundraisers and more!Beginning in January,... READ MORE >

The Falls Church School Board has set the first day of school for the 2020-21 school year for August 24th, or two weeks before Labor Day. On a 4-2 vote, the Board adopted the Ad Hoc Calendar Committee's Pre-Labor Day Option B which includes a two week winter break, and a last day of school set for June 10th.Download FY 2020-21 School Calendar - Grid Format The... READ MORE >

All elementary-aged students are invited to the first Mason Winter Fest on Saturday, December 14 from 5-8:00 PM in the Aux Gym and Mustang Cafe. Funds raised will go towards the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Kids will be enjoying snowball fights, carnival games, and more! READ MORE >

George Mason's Niharika Singhvi was awarded 2019 Virginia School Boards Association Exhibitors Scholarship. The scholarship, funded by exhibiting companies at the VSBA’s annual convention, was made available to spring 2020 graduating seniors who had served as student school board representatives. Ameresco, and Mountain Valley Transportation sponsored this year’s... READ MORE >

Mr. Julian Williams, Vice President of Compliance, Diversity and Ethics at George Mason University, has released his report and recommendations on Falls Church City Public Schools Infrastructure Assessment of Diversity. In the spring of 2018, FCCPS had been engaging in several activities related to issues of equity, diversity, and race. As a result of that work,... READ MORE >

Thank you in advance for your assistance as Falls Church City Public Schools works to improve how we serve our students, families, and community. We appreciate your time. Effective July 1, 2019, the General Assembly passed legislation allowing school divisions to start the school year up to 14 days before the September Labor Day holiday. Previously school... READ MORE >

Award-nominating season is here! Recognize outstanding FCCPS employees by submitting a nomination for one of our awards: FCEF Teacher of the Year; Professional Specialist of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year. Nomination forms for all three awards are below. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, January 3. All nominees will be surprised... READ MORE >

The Falls Church School Board received four options for the 2020-21 school calendar from its Ad Hoc Calendar Committee during its regular meeting last night. The options include two that would see school opening two weeks before Labor Day and two with the first day of school on the day after Labor Day. The Virginia General Assembly last year changed the law... READ MORE >

While Veterans Day is a regular school day this year at Falls Church City Public Schools, many of our students are honoring America's brave men and women in service to our country. George Mason High At George Mason High School, thanks go to Ms. Gurgo and Mr. Sheedy for creating a Veterans Day display left in the school's lobby, recognizing alumni and staff... READ MORE >

Last Friday, the Family Resource Center hosted an Open House to show off its new space. Erika Sequiera, third from left, runs the center for all of FCCPS from the area at TJ. She supports families with children in all the system's schools with a particular focus on support for non-English speakers. Visitors to the opening included city employees, administrators... READ MORE >

The GM Girls may have needed a tie-breaker on Tuesday at the Region meet, but they made it, qualifying for States again, making it 21 years in a row! The Girls' team tied for third with Warren County at 89 points. When that happens, you determine a Cross Country race's score by the 6th runner's finish. Mason's sixth runner was ahead of Warren's, and the Mustang... READ MORE >

Mrs. Stillwagoner's second-grade class videotapes a weekly news show. Working together, the students write the script, and then the school's technology educator, Mr. Daugherty, films them using a green screen, like TV newscasters. The students report on their favorite special of the week, favorite classroom activity, any special events happening in the classroom.... READ MORE >

Henderson's Student Council Association began holding town halls last year to gather input on issues important to students. On Thursday, October 31, the first one of this year occurred during Husky FLEX. The meetings are run by the student council representatives. There was time for administrators to give status reports on issues brought up last year, including... READ MORE >

Superintendent Peter Noonan and owner representative Deisy Brangman of Brailsford and Dunlavey held an informal coffee for anyone interested in the latest information on the George Mason High School Project. Included in the presentation were new design elements, detailed renderings of the gymnasium and auditorium, and a live look at the construction site. Dr.... READ MORE >

The "Prize Patrol" had a very busy Wednesday! The Falls Church Education Foundation was out in the schools awarding Super Grant funds for 16 requests, totaling over $68,000 in Super Grants and over $19,000 in Advanced Training. Awards are in response to teacher and staff requests. It went to a wide variety of initiatives, including training, classroom libraries,... READ MORE >

As part of Service Learning, over 70 high school students visited Mt. Daniel yesterday to help out in classrooms by reading with students and doing activities with groups. Many more visits will occur throughout the year. As GMHS strives to maintain a caring community and culture, Service Learning includes focusing all juniors towards supporting the learning... READ MORE >

On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, members of the Falls Church City School Board unanimously approved a new four-year contract for Dr. Peter J. Noonan as Superintendent of Schools. The agreement represents a 7% increase over the last contract, a percentage increase that is in line with raises received by FCCPS staff over the previous three budget cycles. "I am thrilled... READ MORE >

Thanks go out to Delegate Marcus Simon (far left) and State Senator Dick Saslaw (center) for taking time for their annual FCCPS visit to "walk a school" and understand some of the exciting initiatives and continuing work. This year they learned about a seventh-grade project in a CTE (Career and Technical Education) class, the study of different states of matter... READ MORE >

The Mid-Atlantic Association of IB World Schools (IBMA) is recognizing stellar IB programme contributors with the IBMA Faculty Excellence Award at each of its quarterly meetings. Fifth-grade teachers, Layton McCann (left) and Torey Fay were the recent recipients for the Primary Years Programme. Mrs. Fay and Mrs. McCann were nominated for their work and... READ MORE >

This group of IB Film Study, HL 2, students are creating a short film-documentary about a high school student's journey. The students have complete artistic freedom to come up with their own story and script. Each student is playing a specific role in the project, including Director, Screenwriter, Sound Designer, Editor, Actor(s), etc. but they are all working... READ MORE >

In the small groups for guided reading in third grade, these students are learning to communicate without raising their hands. The class discussed how at home most of them don't raise their hands at the dinner table, but they still understand the structure and flow of conversation in a small group setting. They are practicing and applying those skills to the... READ MORE >

Mr. Block's Breakfast Club at Henderson meets throughout the year before significant math assessments. It is already attracting a dedicated group of students a half hour before school starts. Their aim this week was to learn and review the order of operations, integers, distribution, combining like terms, and domain, range, and function. Twenty-eight students came:... READ MORE >

Library and technology alternate weeks this year in the schedule's rotation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. On library week, classes, including this third grade one, visit for 45 minutes. Students may check out up to 3 books at a time and they are due the following week. Since the start of the year, there are over 100 new titles on the shelves with more to... READ MORE >

Tailgate Draws Enthusiastic Crowd Friday night, families and students gathered to explore offerings by SAOs, enjoy dinner and activities, and ramp up some spirit ahead of Mason's home-opening football game against Strasburg. The Pep Band and Cheer team, along with a solid block of student fans in tropical shirts, were on hand to rally the crowd. The Mustangs were... READ MORE >

Building Reading Stamina, One Page at a Time Friday was National Read a Book Day, and these third graders took out their book bins for the first time. Each then found comfy places around the room to work on their reading stamina. Reading stamina is a child's ability to focus and read independently for long-ish periods of time without being distracted or without... READ MORE >