School news roundup

The following news briefs are from FCPS and individual schools.

GRAMMY finalist – Annie Ray, the orchestra teacher at Annandale High School, is a finalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. The winner will be announced Feb. 1 at 8 a.m.

Ray is one of 10 finalists from nine states. The winner will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school’s music program.

“Annie is known for her passion, skill, and belief that every student can achieve greatness,” said AHS Principal Shawn DeRose. “During the pandemic, she went above and beyond to keep her students engaged by leading orchestra curriculum development and providing drive-through support and outdoor practices.”

Ray founded the Crescendo Orchestra for students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities. She also founded and leads the FCPS Parent Orchestra. In 2023, she was named FCPS Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Glasgow boundary timeline – The school board adopted a motion last June to undertake a boundary study for Glasgow Middle School.

There will be community meetings in March and April to review the boundary scope recommendations being drafted by FCPS. The school board will hold a public hearing and take action on new boundaries for Glasgow and nearby schools in May.

The new boundaries are expected to take effect for the 2024-26 school year.

Related story: FCPS seeks parent feedback on Glasgow boundary study

Food sharing – The FCPS Get2Green program has announced new food sharing guidelines to help schools reduce waste and address food insecurity. 

The guidelines add a process for schools to set up “share tables” in the cafeteria, where students can share unopened food with their peers. Leftover unopened food can be donated to a local food pantry.

Renovation delay – The renovation and expansion of Bren Mar Park Elementary School has been delayed due to permitting challenges. Construction was initially set to begin in March. It’s now been pushed back to December.

Graduation rates – The three high schools serving Mason District students had some of the lowest graduation rates and highest dropout rates of any public, non-alternative high schools in Fairfax County in 2023.

Annandale High School had a graduation rate of 87.3 percent and a dropout rate of 9.6 percent. Falls Church High School had an 86.3 percent graduation rate and an 11.7 percent dropout rate.

At Justice High School, the graduation rate was 82.5 percent and the dropout rate was 14.0 percent. The average for all FCPS schools is a graduation rate of 93.4 percent and a dropout rate of 5.5 percent.

Those outcomes highlight “the continuing need for additional support and innovative strategies for many of our schools and specifically for several subgroups,” said Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson.

Magnet lottery – The registration window for the magnet programs at Bailey’s Primary Elementary School and Bailey’s Upper Elementary School is March 5-April 12.  

A computer-generated lottery will randomly determine the acceptance and waitlist order of those who registered.

The magnet programs provide enrichment in science, technology, and performing arts. The schools offer state-of-the art technology, an integrated approach to learning, and collaboration with government agencies and institutions.

There will be a virtual parent information meeting at Bailey’s Upper on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. and an in-person meeting at Bailey’s Primary on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.

Only students who will be in grades K-2 during the 2024-25 school year can apply for the magnet program at Bailey’s Primary School. Only students who will be in grades 3 or 4 next year can apply to Bailey’s Upper program.

Forensics champions – The Justice High School forensics team has won its sixth consecutive regional title. Eight of the 12 participants will be moving on to the VHSL Super Regional competition in February, where they hope to win their second consecutive title.

Parent book club – The librarian at Woodson High School is interested in hosting a book club for parents focusing on young adult fiction or nonfiction.

Book club members would discuss books in connection with Woodson’s values, such as diversity, inclusion, resilience, and ethical behavior. Parents interested in participating should contact Lisa Muir at [email protected].

Glasgow seeks coaches – The first-ever track and field program at Glasgow Middle School starts in April.

Two coaching positions are available at Glasgow. “Whether you are a FCPS staff or not, a seasoned veteran or not, all are welcome to apply,” says Principal Victor Powell. If you’re interested, contact John Lee ([email protected]) or Greg Williams ([email protected]).

Practices will be twice a week at Glasgow, and competitions will be on Saturday mornings. Coaches will be provided detailed training plans and equipment. The events will be 100 meters, 200m, 800m, 1600m, long jump, and shot put.

FCPS began offering middle school athletics in the fall.

Body Safety – Woodburn Elementary School is hosting a body safety program Feb. 5-9 in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. 

The age-appropriate curriculum gives children a comfortable, non-alarming way to talk about the sensitive and complex problem of child abuse. The program will empower children to act if they are threatened or victimized.

Wolves at the Lodge – The Justice High School PTSA invites the community to Wolves at the Lodge, a casino night fundraiser, Feb. 24, 7-11 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 5710 Scoville St., in Bailey’s Crossroads. The event features games like blackjack, roulette, and poker; a dinner buffet; cocktails; dancing; and a raffle.

From student to teacher – Four years after Sandra Benitez graduated from Annandale High School, she returned to AHS as a U.S. government teacher for English learners.

An article by the FCPS Office of Communications recounts her journey back to the classroom.  Benitez knew she wanted to be a teacher since working as a counselor-in-training for the Fairfax County Park Authority before entering high school.

“I immediately felt drawn to being there for students and making an impact by helping them to the best of my ability,” she recalls. “As a result, I went into high school knowing that I was going to go into education and that I was going to come back to Annandale.” She volunteered as a reading buddy for elementary students and a peer tutor at AHS.

“As a former AHS student,” she says, “I understand where students are coming from.”

Workforce Development – The Bailey’s Elementary School PTA is partnering with Edu-Futuro to offer free workforce development classes on Wednesday evenings, Feb. 21-May 5. The classes are in Spanish and will cover resume writing, mock interviews, personal budgeting, and related topics. Childcare will be provided. Register here.

National certification – Thirty-five FCPS teachers recently achieved or renewed their certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Among the teachers who are newly certified: Bethany Farrell at Parklawn Elementary School, Elizabeth Snyder at Camelot ES, and Paul Mock and Lauren Paz at Annandale High School.

Laura Bailey at Woodburn ES, Jaclyn Walsh at Belvedere ES, and Nancy Anderson at Glasgow Middle School renewed this NBPTS certification. 

National Board Certification is a multi-year process requiring teachers to submit a portfolio documenting their high-quality instruction and demonstrating how their practices align with the Five Core Propositions of Accomplished Teaching.