Tag: schools

School board approves Mason District pilot on middle school start times
The Fairfax County School Board directed the superintendent to develop a pilot program for later start times at Mason District middle schools. On March 27, the board passed a motion by Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson that calls for a cost-neutral plan to implement later times in as many of the Mason District schools … Continued

Mason District leaders to fight for funds for the middle school afterschool program
Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Mason School Board member Ricardy Anderson both said they will fight to ensure continued funding for the middle school afterschool program. Jimenez and Anderson spoke at a virtual Mason District Budget Town Hall on March 26, along with County Executive Bryan Hill and Fairfax County Public Schools Chief Financial Officer … Continued

School board approves scope of boundary study for Parklawn
The Fairfax County School Board on March 13 approved the scope of a boundary study to relieve overcrowding at Parklawn Elementary School in Lincolnia. The boundary study will include these elementary schools: Parklawn, Annandale Terrace, Bailey’s, Bailey’s Upper, Beech Tree, Belvedere, Braddock, Bren Mar Park, Columbia, Glen Forest, Mason Crest, Sleepy Hollow, North Springfield, and … Continued

Registration open for FCPS summer programs
Registration is underway for summer education programs run by Fairfax County Public Schools. Most of the following programs are held at Lake Braddock Secondary School, with transportation provided from select high schools and middle schools. Here’s what’s available: There are three sessions: July 7-11, July 14-18, and July 21-25. Students take four classes a day. … Continued

School news roundup
Funding cuts – The 2026 advertised budget for Fairfax County under consideration by the Board of Supervisors proposes the elimination of some key programs that benefit students. The advertised budget would eliminate the $3.9 million Middle School After School Program, which is particularly important for lower-income families in Mason District. The budget also targets … Continued

Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses
Some Fairfax County Public School buses will soon have cameras installed on the stop-sign arms that activate when the buses stop to let children on and off. The cameras will record drivers who fail to stop when the buses are loading or unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail. The cameras … Continued

Mulch sales support HS grad parties
Get ready for gardening season by buying mulch to support local high schools’ all-night graduation parties. The parties are safe, drug and alcohol-free events for seniors to celebrate the end of high school. Orders for the Annandale High School PTSA’s annual Mulch Madness sale are due March 15. Access the order form here. A 50-pound … Continued

Teacher charged with sexual assault
Eric Sean Williams of Annandale, a longtime substitute teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Annandale, was arrested on Feb. 27 for multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington announced. No known criminal incidents took place on parish or school property, the diocese states. Williams had been a sub … Continued

FCPS proposed budget seeks 7 percent salary increases
The proposed FY 2026 budget for Fairfax County Public Schools calls for a 7 percent salary increase for all staff and additional investments in students who need extra support. “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence – not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young … Continued

FCPS vows to protect students if ICE agents come to schools
As fears mount following President Trump’s threat to deport many more immigrants, including those here legally, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told Annandale Today, “We are committed to the fullest extent of the law to protecting our students and staff.” Reid said she met with all the principals last week. “We gave them … Continued

School board could delay action on middle school start times
Mason District parents are pushing back against a delay in implementing later middle school start times. In September 2023, FCPS awarded a contract to Prismatic Services to develop a plan for changing middle school start times – to 8 a.m. or later – to take effect in fall 2025. An online petition calls for FCPS … Continued

School news
The following news items are from Fairfax County Public Schools and the School Board. A Tiger welcome – The Tiger Team at Mason Crest Elementary School welcomes new kids to school and shows them the ropes. Mason Crest sees a lot of changes in their student population every year, notes a story about the Tiger … Continued

TJ alum, Michael Mukai, named principal
Michael Mukai, the current principal of West Springfield High School, has been named principal of the highly selective Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Mukai was in the very first class at TJHSST when it was converted to a magnet STEM school in 1985. “As we continue the tradition of excellence at Thomas … Continued

Schools closed tomorrow, for the fourth day
Fairfax County public schools will close tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 9, for the fourth day in a row. Whenever schools are closed, all activities at schools and school grounds are canceled. “As we navigate through another day of cold weather and icy roads, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your patience as we work … Continued

School news
Social media threats – FCPS is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department’s Threat Assessment Management Unit to investigate fake social media threats directed to schools. “We will work quickly to identify those who make these threats,” FCPS states. “If identified, these individuals face serious consequences including the very real possibility of criminal charges. What … Continued