Tag: education

Fairfax County Schools hit with ransomware attack
FCPS headquarters in Merrifield. [Associated Press] Just days into the start of the virtual school year, a cybercriminal group call MAZE has successfully targeted Fairfax County Public Schools with ransomware, Infosecurity magazine reports. FCPS issued a statement Sept. 11 acknowledging that ransomware was placed on some of its technology systems. “We are taking this matter … Continued

New daycare center in Annandale offers safe playtime for young children, learning pods for older ones
A classroom at My Baby Steps Academy. A new daycare/education program, opening in Annandale Sept. 14, offers a place for children to play and learn in safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. My Baby Steps Academy, at 4602 Ravensworth Road, is based at Hope Lutheran Church. It’s operated by Wilson and Mina Marroquin, who … 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 offers limited, in-person option for children this fall at six Annandale/Mason area schools
Mason Crest Elementary School in Annandale, one of 37 schools offering an in-person option this fall for a limited number of children. Fairfax County launched a new program, called Supporting Return to School (SRS), to provide full-day, on-site childcare to children in kindergarten through the sixth grade in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the … 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

Fairfax County schools will stay virtual this fall
FCPS might not need these floor stickers for a while. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has reversed course and now recommends that the school year start in a virtual format for everyone. The previously approved plan gave families the option of sending students to school for face-to-face learning for two days a week. … Continued

FCPS could reconsider in-school learning
Now that parents and teachers have voted on whether they prefer in-school or distance learning, there’s a renewed effort among some Fairfax County School Board members to push for all-virtual learning, at least for the start of the 2020-21 school year. The school board will discuss the issue July 21. Superintendent Scott Brabrand says he … Continued

More details emerge on FCPS return-to-school plan
Annandale High School is preparing for the return to school with newly painted classrooms and new furniture. [AHS] As of July 13, 59 percent of Fairfax County students want to go to school in person, and 41 percent want to continue with virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year, according to information shared at a … 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

New principal named for Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
Fallen [FCPS] Mattie Fallen, the assistant principal at Braddock Elementary School in Annandale, has been named the new principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Region 2 of Fairfax County Public Schools announced on Twitter July 2. Fallen will succeed Sleepy Hollow Interim Principal Maureen Lopez. “Fallen’s wealth of experiences, knowledge, and skills make her a great … Continued

Families face July 10 deadline for deciding whether to send children back to school
School board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer (left) Assistant Superintendent Frances Ivey speak at a virtual town hall. No one seems to be happy about the Fairfax County return to school plan. During a virtual town hall session co-hosted by school board members Rachna Sizemore Heizer (at-large) and Ricardy Anderson (Mason) June 29, there were many … Continued

Teacher unions want FCPS to continue virtual instruction
A proposed classroom layout showing how social distancing could work. [FCPS] Teacher unions are urging Fairfax County Public Schools to continue with online learning when the 2020-21 school year starts in August. The school board on June 23 agreed to give families a choice among two options on how they return to school: Full-time online … 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