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Blown Away By Our Student Performers
Dear Neighbors,
Spring is always a busy (and thankfully warmer!) time across Fairfax County Public Schools, and this edition of our Providence District newsletter is packed with reminders of why. From remarkable student theater productions and inspiring art shows to heartfelt celebrations of service, our school communities continue to shine. Whether cheering on a cast of talented performers, honoring our incredible retirees, or celebrating our educators and parent advocates, these moments remind us what makes FCPS so special.
You’ll also find important updates about upcoming School Board meetings, exciting community events like the FCPS Summer Extravaganza and the “Pedal with Petals” family bike ride, and opportunities to recognize individuals making a difference through initiatives like the Bussey Memorial Equity Award. With just a few weeks left in the school year, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating all that our students and educators have accomplished — and supporting them as we head into the home stretch.
Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Congressman Gerry Connolly’s Legacy
I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a true champion for our community and our public schools — Congressman Gerry Connolly, who announced last week that he will not seek reelection following the recurrence of his cancer diagnosis.
Throughout his career — from his time representing Providence District (the same community I serve) on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and then leading it as Chairman, to his work and leadership in Congress — Gerry has been a tireless advocate for strong public schools.
He has always recognized that investing in our students, educators, and schools is crucial to creating a better future for our entire community. Time and again, he has fought for increased education funding, greater support for teachers, and critical programs that give every child a fair shot at success.
When I first joined the School Board, Gerry didn’t hesitate to offer his advice, inviting me to visit with him and discuss our most pressing needs as a school division. In the years since, he has consistently provided thoughtful counsel, grounded in a singular focus: to do what we can to improve the lives of those we represent.
Here in Fairfax County, we see the lasting impact of his advocacy every day — in classrooms where opportunity is alive and well, in programs that uplift children and families, and in the green spaces and affordable housing he helped establish.
I am proud to call Gerry Connolly a friend, a constituent, and a partner in this important work. Please join me in extending our deepest gratitude and best wishes to him as he continues to lead with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our community.
Celebrating Retiring FCPS Educators and Staff
At last week’s retirement celebration, I had the privilege of offering remarks on behalf of the Fairfax County School Board honoring the incredible service of our retiring FCPS educators and staff. Together, they represent more than 4,350 years of dedication to students and families — including 143 retirees with 20 or more years of service and 11 with over 35 years. One even had 49 years of service at the same school! Behind those numbers are countless moments of impact: students who found their confidence, colleagues who stayed the course, and families who felt truly supported. We are grateful not only to our retirees but also to the loved ones who stood beside them throughout their careers. Their legacy will continue to shape our schools for years to come.
Falls Church Pyramid Art Show
I had a fantastic time at the Falls Church Pyramid Art Show, where each school showcased an impressive array of student artwork. As I visited the displays and collected passport stamps along the way, I was struck by the creativity, talent, and care that clearly went into each piece. Events like this remind us just how powerful the arts are in helping students express themselves and connect with their community. Bravo to all the young artists who made it such a memorable experience, and special thanks to Falls Church High School art teacher Jessica Chin, the PTSA, art teachers and staff from each of the pyramid’s schools, and volunteers who brought it all to life!
Blown Away: Theater Productions Around Providence District
Mantua Drama Club Production of “Frozen KIDS!”
I was thrilled to attend the Mantua Drama Club’s opening night performance of Frozen — what an incredible show! The talent on stage was matched only by the heartwarming sense of community that came out to support these young performers and crew. Productions like this do more than showcase creativity; they give students a chance to build confidence, connect with others, and discover new strengths. Special thanks to director Julie Johnston, the PTA, school staff, and all the volunteers who made this fantastic production possible.
Luther Jackson Middle School Production of “Mean Girls Jr.”
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the production of Mean Girls Jr. at Luther Jackson Middle School, and it was an absolute delight. The students brought the story to life with energy, confidence, and creativity, and the camaraderie among the cast and crew made the performance even more fun to watch. The enthusiastic support from families, staff, and fellow students in the audience was a testament to the school’s strong sense of community. Bravo to everyone involved — and a special thanks to theater arts teacher Stacey Jones for pulling it all together!
Oakton High School Production of “Into the Woods”
Last Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending Into the Woods at Oakton High School, and it was a truly impressive performance filled with energy, heart, and talent. The packed theatre — full of enthusiastic parents, staff, and students — was a testament to the community’s support for the arts. It was especially exciting to see such meaningful collaboration across disciplines, with the Oakton Dance Ensemble and Orchestra adding remarkable depth and richness to the production. The entire evening was a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when the arts unite a school community. Kudos to everyone who brought this extraordinary show to life! You can still get tickets for the show on Wednesday, May 7, Thursday, May 8, and Saturday, May 10.
Falls Church High School Production of “The Addams Family”
Yesterday, I had a fantastic time at Falls Church High School’s production of The Addams Family — a wonderfully spooky and hilarious performance that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the cast and crew. The students brought these iconic characters to life with charm and wit, earning big laughs and applause from a packed house. Adding to the fun were the themed concessions, including some truly creepy (and surprisingly tasty!) gummy eyeballs. It was a delightfully eerie afternoon and a great reminder of how the arts can bring joy, laughter, and community spirit to our schools. Congratulations to everyone involved. You can still get tickets for the show on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11.
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Excellence Awards
I was honored to attend this year’s SEPTA Excellence Awards over the weekend, celebrating the incredible students, educators, staff, and community members who go above and beyond to support inclusive education in Fairfax County Public Schools. The evening was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we work together to ensure all students are included and have an opportunity to thrive. I left inspired by the remarkable stories shared and grateful for the tireless efforts of SEPTA and its members in building a more equitable and supportive school community.
“Pedal with Petals” Family Bike Ride
Join Tysons Community Alliance at Westbriar Elementary School for “Pedal with Petals” – a FREE fun-filled day of biking with family and friends. Choose between a 2-mile beginner/family-friendly route or a 9-mile (on-road) intermediate ride showcasing Tysons’ newest off-street trails, wooded areas, and parks. All ages and skill levels are welcome, so bring your bikes and helmets for a beautiful ride through Tysons. After your ride, stick around for a family-friendly festival filled with fun activities, vendors, food, DJs, music, and more. [More Information and Register Here]
FCPS Summer Extravaganza
FCPS invites all families to the 2025 Summer Extravaganza, this Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Woodson High School. Students can get a jump on summer learning by participating in engaging, educational, and enriching activities. The Summer Extravaganza is FREE and activities include face painting, a fire truck, a moon bounce, music, storytime, student performances, FCPS Student Program Marketplace, and more! [Register Here]
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and more. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage to access the nomination information form.
Upcoming Plays and Musicals
As previously noted, incredible student talent is on full display in our spring middle and high school theater productions! These performances reflect months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration by our students, teachers, and volunteers. I encourage you to join me in supporting the arts in our schools by attending one of these fantastic shows—you won’t want to miss them:
HIGH SCHOOLS
Falls Church High School
Marshall High School
Oakton High School
Woodson High School
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Kilmer Middle School
Thoreau Middle School
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (Grading Policy, CIP Topics)
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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