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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
October Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
Unfortunately, our federal government has been shut down, and it is impacting many of our Fairfax County Public Schools families and staff. Please know that our division is here to support you. When families face stress, children feel it too — which is why we remain committed to providing a safe and routine learning environment for every student.
Available Resources:
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Meals: Families can apply anytime for free and reduced-price meals if income changes due to furloughs, layoffs, or job loss.
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Mental Health: Free, virtual sessions are available for students through Hazel Health, accessible at school or home.
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Community Support: Fairfax County and local organizations are offering food, housing, and financial resources. Visit the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) for details.
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Transportation: Fairfax Connector’s TRIP program provides 50% off fares for eligible low-income residents ages 18–65.
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Libraries & Parks: All students have a Library Equity Access Pass to borrow materials, and county parks and recreation areas remain free.
I hope this shutdown is resolved quickly. In the meantime, know that our division is here to stand with you and your family.
Happy Yom Kippur to our Jewish students and families, as well as our school employees! I hope you have a restful and pleasant holiday tomorrow.
Happy Chuseok, Zhōngqiūjié in Chinese, Tsukimi for our Japanese families, Tết Trung Thu for our Vietnamese families, and to all who are celebrating a harvest holiday on October 6 this season!
Chuseok is one of the most cherished holidays in Korea, and it is like our Thanksgiving Day. It is a time when families gather to share a bountiful feast, honor their ancestors through memorial rites, and celebrate the harvest under the bright autumn moon. On Chuseok day, many Koreans wear their hanbok, the traditional Korean attire characterized by vibrant colors, graceful lines, and a design that symbolizes harmony and respect. In the photo, I am seen wearing a modernized version of hanbok while attending a conference.
These harvest festivals across cultures share a common theme: gratitude, family, and renewal. Whether through songpyeon (half-moon shaped rice cakes with sweet fillings made from roasted sesame seeds, honey), mooncakes, lantern parades, or moon-viewing ceremonies, these celebrations remind us to pause, appreciate what we have, and look ahead with hope.
As we enter the third month of the school year, I wish every student, family, and staff member a season filled with joy, connection, and success. May this harvest moon inspire us to grow together as a community.
Best,
Ilryong Moon
What’s happened in September
Annandale High School Field Repair
 At left, surveying the damaged area with Mr. Abdulhadi, Dr. Anderson. Mr. DeRose. At right, Discussing possible solutions to make the area safe for student and community use.
When a community member brought a safety issue at Annandale High School’s stadium and athletic field to my attention recently, I visited the site to tour the area with Principal Shawn DeRose and staff member Jewad Abdulhadi. My colleague Dr. Ricardy Anderson also joined the visit. Principal DeRose explained that an entrance ramp used by student athletes, band members, machinery, and emergency services is eroding and has become a safety hazard for the AHS community. We discussed several possible solutions to repair and restore the area quickly.
I’ve brought the issue to Dr. Reid’s attention, and we are working together to ensure that every member of the AHS community can safely enjoy the facility during this fall’s sports and events season.
Taste of Annandale
 I had the pleasure of attending the Taste of Annandale, an event that has become a personal favorite of mine over the years. As a proud member of the Annandale Rotary, I make it a point to attend this festival every year, and it’s always a joy to see how it brings our community together.
This year’s celebration was full of energy, with food, music, art, and games creating a vibrant atmosphere. Festival-goers watched fifteen competitors take on the bánh mì eating contest, cheered for the annual chili cook-off between the Mason Police District and the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, and smiled through the adorable Pet Parade Costume Contest.
 With the newly elected Congressman Walkinshaw, State Senator Marsden, and my School Board colleague Dr. Anderson.
It was great to be on stage with newly elected Congressman Walkinshaw, State Senator Marsden, and my School Board colleague Dr. Anderson, sharing thoughts and listening to the community’s visions and concerns.
Each year, the Taste of Annandale reminds me why I value being part of this community. It’s a chance to see neighbors, local businesses, and organizations come together in a joyful, welcoming space that celebrates the diversity and spirit of Fairfax County. I look forward to continuing to support events like this that strengthen the bonds within our community.
Vietnamese Heritage Flag
 With the Vietnamese American Community of Washington D.C, President Long Đức Hoàng and Natalie Nguyen-Woodruff, Deputy Chief of Staff to Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, at the Eden Center in Falls Church.
Over the past three months, I have been working closely with Long Đức Hoàng, President of the Vietnamese-American Community of Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia (VACDMV), as well as School Board Representatives Ricardy Anderson (Mason District) and Sandra Anderson (Springfield District) regarding the use of the Vietnamese Heritage Flag in our schools.
 Virginia State Delegate Kathy Tran is also engaged in this work. Together, we advocated for thoughtful consideration from the Superintendent to ensure our schools remain inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities we serve, and I am glad that the Superintendent has recently shared with the school system's leaders that wherever the Vietnamese flag is displayed we also display the Vietnamese heritage flag.
Displaying the Vietnamese Heritage Flag in our schools is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a recognition of the history, struggles, and contributions of Vietnamese Americans in Fairfax County and beyond. The flag represents the values of freedom, resilience, and democracy that resonate deeply with the Vietnamese community, many of whom came to the United States as refugees seeking safety and opportunity.
Incorporating the flag into our school events and cultural celebrations helps foster a sense of belonging for Vietnamese students and families, validating their heritage and showing that their identity is respected and valued. This action also provides an educational opportunity for all students to learn about the history of the Vietnamese diaspora and the diverse narratives that shape our county.
Moms Demand Action
 I was honored to be invited to the Burke-Fairfax Moms Demand Action monthly meeting. It was a deeply meaningful conversation that went beyond policy into the heart of what matters most — keeping our children and school communities safe.
Key Topics Covered
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Back-to-School Safety: We talked about how school safety planning impacts families as the year begins — from building security to ensuring safe and supportive learning environments.
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Suicide Prevention Month: The meeting featured an excellent presentation from the state Suicide Prevention lead, who shared data, warning signs, and prevention strategies. It was an important reminder that mental health is a shared responsibility.
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Best Practices and Collaboration: We discussed current school safety measures, emergency response preparedness, and areas for improvement. The conversation was collaborative, practical, and focused on solutions that empower both schools and families.
Why This Matters
As a school division, we know that creating safe spaces for our students is not just about physical security — it’s also about fostering emotional well-being and making sure that every student feels supported. In June, I was honored to sponsor a proclamation recognizing Wear Orange Gun Violence Awareness. The Burke-Fairfax Moms Demand Action holds their monthly meeting to continue their advocacy efforts to end gun violence. It’s so important to us that we bring family voices straight into the conversation and strengthen the partnership between schools and the communities they serve, and meetings like this are a great way to do that.
FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame
 I was able to stop by briefly for the reception before the formal program and had the pleasure of celebrating the 4th annual Educate Fairfax Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Wolf Trap. It was an honor to join friends and colleagues in recognizing 11 outstanding FCPS alumni who were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.
These remarkable individuals have made meaningful contributions in fields including education, the military, philanthropy, journalism, business, and politics. We are proud to count them as shining examples of the excellence that comes out of our FCPS schools.
The 2025–2026 Hall of Fame Inductees are:
- Amir Abu-El-Hawa, Annandale High School, 2005
- Jim Acosta, Annandale High School, 1989
- Maureen Boland, West Springfield High School, 1986
- Michele Bolos, West Springfield High School, 1986
- Arun Gupta, Lake Braddock Secondary School, 1987
- Mark Holbrook, Mount Vernon High School, 1990
- Meredith Hovan, Chantilly High School, 1997
- Jennifer Montone, Robinson Secondary School, 1995
- Dennis Scarborough, Annandale High School, 1985
- Philip Wilkerson, Mount Vernon High School, 2003
- Jennifer Williamson, Fairfax High School, 1990
Boundary Meetings
 I recently attended the community boundary meeting at Woodson High School, where FCPS staff presented Scenarios 1–3 and shared upcoming community engagement opportunities in October. Parents raised thoughtful questions about split feeders, attendance islands, transportation logistics, and program impacts such as AP/IB and Special Education.
Concerns were also expressed about the lack of street-level detail on maps, the impact of school start time changes on child care and family schedules, and how Scenario 4 will incorporate feedback from earlier meetings. Staff encouraged families to continue sharing their input when Scenario 4 is released next month and emphasized that community voices remain a vital part of this process.
The Comprehensive Boundary Review meetings are underway.
You don’t have to attend only your pyramid’s meeting! You are welcome to join any session that fits your schedule.
Child care will be available for in-person participants, and interpretation/translation services are offered for all. Click “In Person” or “Virtual” when registering.
Visit the FCPS website for a full list of meeting dates and information about the October meetings.
- Monday, October 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School
- For Centreville High School and Robinson Secondary School Pyramids
- Tuesday, October 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at Herndon High School
- For South Lakes and Herndon High School Pyramids
- Wednesday, October 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at Langley High School
- For Oakton and Langley High School Pyramids
- Thursday, October 16, 6:30-8 p.m., at McLean High School
- For Madison and McLean High School Pyramids
- Friday, October 17, 6:30-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School
- For Marshall and Falls Church High School Pyramids
- Tuesday, October 21, 6:30-8 p.m., at Annandale High School
- For Justice and Annandale High School Pyramids
- Wednesday, October 22, 6:30-8 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary
- For South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Pyramids
- Friday, October 24, 6:30–8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School
- For West Potomac and Mount Vernon High School Pyramids
- Monday, October 27, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School
- For Woodson and Fairfax High School Pyramids
- Tuesday, October 28, 6:30-8 p.m., at Chantilly High School
- For Westfield and Chantilly High School Pyramids
- Wednesday, October 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lewis High School
- For Edison and Lewis High School Pyramids
- Thursday, October 30, 7-8:30 p.m., at Irving Middle School
- For Lake Braddock Secondary School and West Springfield High School Pyramids
Student Leadership Program Deadline is approaching!
 The deadline for the Fairfax County School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 3.
If you have a freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in a future in law, government, public policy, or making a difference in their community, this is the program for them!
Any interested students MUST apply using the online application. Applications submitted outside of this online application will not be considered.
The School Board will notify students of their selection status by November 21, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact SBStudentLeadership@fcps.edu or 571-423-1075.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Tuesday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Forum
- Tuesday, October 7, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All Day Work Session
- Thursday, October 9, 6:30-7:00 Public Hearing- Divisionwide Comprehensive Plan
- Thursday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Thursday, October 23, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Individuals should check BoardDocs for the agenda for School Board meetings since there are closed meetings that often occur before the public portion of the meeting begins.
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2025 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information.
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