Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

FCPS offers more details on concurrent learning

The concurrent instruction approach, although total class sizes won’t be this small. [FCPS] Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand and other FCPS officials provided more details on concurrent learning and other aspects of the return-to-school plans at a town hall Oct. 19.  Several school board members, however, are not happy with the concurrent learning … Continued

Under FCPS return-to-school plan, all students won’t be back until February

The Fairfax Federation of Teachers held a car rally Oct. 15 at the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center in Merrifield.  The Fairfax County School Board has deadlocked, 6-6, on whether to endorse Superintendent Scott Brabrand’s schedule for bringing students back for in-person learning.  Under Brabrand’s plan, presented at a school board work session board Oct. 15, … Continued

Fairfax County Schools superintendent says admission to TJ can’t depend on test-taking skills

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is in Mason District, but few students from Mason  District Schools go there.  Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand, speaking at a virtual town hall Oct. 7, said the admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has to change to give students … Continued

Fairfax County Public Schools to start in-person learning in October for certain groups of students

These teachers at Camelot Elementary School in Annandale are continuing with virtual instruction. [FCPS]  The Fairfax County School Board has approved a plan by Superintendent Scott Brabrand to gradually bring back students for in-person learning starting in October.  The first groups would return to school under a cohort model, in which small groups of students … Continued

FCPS considers new admissions plan to increase diversity at TJ

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology [Keith Pham] Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has presented recommendations to the school board to revise the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to give historically underrepresented students – African Americans and Hispanics – a better shot at attending.  Admissions … Continued

FCPS promises more support for special ed students

Superintendent Scott Brabrand talks about special ed at a virtual town hall.  Fairfax County Public Schools’ all-virtual spring term was frustrating for special education students and their families, Superintendent Scott Brabrand acknowledged, but promised things will be much better this fall.  “We are committed to overcoming those challenges, ”Brabrand said at a virtual town hall … Continued

School news: FCPS guidance for a virtual school start

Annandale HS staff members are ready to help students register for classes. [FCPS] Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has issued some additional guidance on the new school year, which starts virtually on Sept. 8.  Attendance – Teachers will take attendance. Parents are expected to call or email the school if their student is unable … Continued

Fairfax County Public Schools prepares for virtual learning

Instructional materials organized for students at Woodburn Elementary School. [FCPS] Virtual learning this fall will involve less homework and plenty of time for off-screen group and individual activities, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said during a town hall session Aug. 12. When it’s safe to start bringing students back to school, Brabrand said, … Continued

FCPS superintendent offers more details about what virtual education will be like this fall

Annandale High School, like all FCPS schools will remain empty this fall. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand sent a letter to parents Aug. 4 offering more details about the virtual return to school. In July, FCPS scrapped a hybrid plan giving parents a choice of in-school learning two days a week or an all-online … Continued

FCPS gives families more time to choose virtual or in-person learning

FCPS officials answer questions from the public during a town hall. From the left: Jane Strong of the special education department, Superintendent Scott Brabrand, and Assistant Superintendent Sloan Presidio. Fairfax County Public Schools is extending the deadline – from July 10 to July 15 – for families to decide whether they want in-person or virtual … Continued

Fairfax County school officials provide more details on return-to-school alternatives

An FCPS town hall with (from the left) Manager of School Health Services Lorraine Trouton, Superindent Scott Brabrand, and Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Platenburg.  Fairfax County Public School officials have provided more information on options for the 2020-21 school year.    The following information is from two recent virtual town halls – a session on June 17 … Continued

Fairfax County School Board to consider three ‘return to school’ scenarios

Families celebrate Annandale High School graduates. [FCPS] Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand presented three potential scenarios for reopening schools – virtual education only, opening buildings with health guidelines, and a hybrid model – at a school board work session June 15.  The school board is holding a virtual public hearing on the “return to … Continued

Fairfax County superintendent considers plan for reopening schools in the fall

Glasgow Middle School teachers reach out to students. Fairfax County Public Schools is looking at what to do about the fall semester – whether schools reopen but maintain social distancing, what to do if the coronavirus pandemic continues or there is a second wave, and how to provide options for families not ready to have … Continued

FCPS to drop Blackboard Learn 24-7

Following continued problems with distance learning technology, Fairfax County Public School Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Monday night: “We are going to move away from Blackboard Learn 24-7 as a tool for face-to-face instruction.” After suspending distance learning last week due to problems with logging in and security, Brabrand assured the community on April 16 that … Continued

FCPS apologizes for distance learning failure

Superintendent Scott Brabrand says distance learning will work properly this week. [FCPS] When distance learning starts up again Monday, April 20, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand assured the community and school board that the problems have been fixed. Distance learning initially started last Tuesday, but FCPS briefly suspended the program, then canceled it … Continued