School news roundup – January 2026

Security upgrade – FCPS is implementing a new emergency management system, created by Raptor, in all school buildings.

The new system is designed to support faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies by improving communication among schools, security staff, local first responders, and law enforcement.

The system includes sensors installed throughout schools and a wearable emergency response button for staff, which they can use to quickly and discreetly request help.

When activated on FCPS property, the button alerts the Security Operations Center, local emergency services, and staff at the affected school. The sensors pinpoint the location where assistance is needed, resulting in a faster response.

The emergency button doesn’t replace the need to call 911. It serves as an additional safety tool that staff can use if a phone is not immediately available or if calling may not be safe or practical.

Healthcare careers – The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation awarded $200,000 to Educate Fairfax for health and medical sciences education in the Career and Technical Education program.

The grant was presented in December at a ceremony at the Falls Church Academy at Falls Church High School. During the visit, students and teachers talked about how access to modern labs, industry certifications, and clinical experiences are preparing learners for high-demand fields in healthcare.

Star cellist – Justin Lee, an eighth-grader at Luther Jackson Middle School, has been named a National Finalist in the Junior Strings Competition hosted by the Music Teachers National Association. The competition will take place in Chicago in March. Justin previously won the Virginia and Southern Division MTNA competitions.

Justin has also won the Richmond Symphony League’s 55th Concerto Competition and received the Grand Prize at the Manhattan International Music Competition. He studies cello with Clara Kim at Juilliard Pre-College and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center.

America the Beautiful – Students from Annandale High School and Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston were featured on CBS Mornings during the program’s ongoing celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Annandale band, chorus, guitar, orchestra, and theatre tech students put together a production of the song “America the Beautiful,” while the Hughes students spoke about what they believe makes the U.S. beautiful. Watch the performance here.

Facilities council terminated – The Fairfax County School Board has voted to eliminate the Facilities Planning Advisory Council, effective April 1. The council, created in 2010, brought together an expert group of citizens to provide guidance on facilities issues.

Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson, who voted against disbanding the council, called the decision “a great loss to our system.” She said it provides “expert guidance at no cost” while engaging in deep research, assessment, and analysis about facilities matters.” 

Board members who approved eliminating the advisory council complained that it doesn’t coordinate its work with the board’s Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. Five seats will be added to that committee.

Related story: School board approves boundary changes

Shot put champ – Woodson High School student Barrett Pullen is one of the top-ranked shot putters in the country.

“I first got involved in shot put through our school’s track and field program as a freshman,” Barrett said in a feature article posted by the FCPS Communications Office. “What started as something to do with my friends quickly became something I wanted to take seriously.”

He is currently ranked in the top 10 nationally with a mark of 61 feet, 1.25 inches. “My coaches have helped me focus on the details – everything from spins and technique to getting stronger through weight training,” he said. “They push me every day to be better.”

Barrett is always willing to help the team and his teammates, said Katarina Zuber, Woodson’s head coach for track and field. “Our athletes look up to Barrett, not only for his achievements in our sport, but also for his accomplishments in the classroom, which are equally impressive. He is a very well-rounded student-athlete.”

College prep – Seventh-graders are invited to apply for a five-year college preparatory program for students who will be the first in their family to attend a four-year college. The Early Identification Program is a collaborative effort between FCPS and George Mason University. 

Participants will receive after-school tutoring or mentoring. Saturday sessions will focus on remediation and enrichment in science and math. When the students are in the 11th and 12th grades, they will receive assistance with college applications.

There will be a mandatory three-week summer academy at GMU for high school students and a mandatory Strengthening the Family workshop for parents.

Students in the program who maintain a 3.2 GPA are guaranteed admission to GMU. Apply here.

Family meals – Bren Mar Park Elementary School has been selected to pilot-test a new initiative to provide meals for children and their caregivers alongside some school events. 

The program is coordinated by FCPS Food & Nutrition Services and supported by a grant from Educate Fairfax. Meals were offered this month at the school’s family market and Title 1 family engagement event.

Bilingual learning – The deadlines for applying for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion program is Feb. 12 for students entering first grade and March 2 for students entering kindergarten.  

Participating students learn in English for half the day and in another language for the other half. Languages include French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Among schools in the Annandale/Mason District area, Spanish is offered at Bailey’s, Braddock, and Ravensworth elementary schools.

Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the DLI program. 

Virtual reality training – The FCPS Adult and Community Education program is launching virtual reality training courses to prepare people for high-demand careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

These courses blend instructor-led online coursework with hands-on VR simulations delivered directly to learners’ homes. Students will use VR headsets and controls to gain real-world experience in a safe, instructor-guided environment.

Some of the topics offered in VR classes include mechatronics, robotics, welding, toolmaking, process technology, engineering, maintenance, and quality inspections.