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Good afternoon!
It’s hard to believe this incredible school year is already winding down! The energy in the building is electric as we head into these final weeks. A huge shout-out to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, who showed impressive focus and determination during their Math SOLs this week. We are also celebrating our 4th graders, who enjoyed a fantastic hands-on history lesson during their field trip to Jamestown on Tuesday!
Additionally, tonight, May 15th, is the Bandemonium Concert at Centreville High School, at 6:30 PM in the bus loop—an outdoor music festival under the stars featuring a wide range of student ensembles. This year’s “OFF ROAD” theme highlights high-energy pieces centered around fast cars, with performances from all band ensembles, plus orchestra, choir, and theatre students. Food trucks and family-friendly activities like face painting and pawprint tattoos will be available, making it a fun event for all ages. Limited seating is provided, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs; in case of rain, the event will move indoors.
Finally, as a reminder, we will have our final Early Release Wednesday this upcoming Wednesday, May 20th. Please check your email for a confirmation of how your child will dismiss on May 20th. The enrolling parent received this email today. If there are any changes, please contact the CES office as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Jen, Rachel, and Katy
Important Dates:
Monday, May 18th: Kindergarten Playdate and Orientation
Tuesday, May 19th: 6th Grade Math SOL
Tuesday, May 19th: Food & Fashion Night: 6:00-7:30: Cafe
Wednesday, May 20th: Early Release Wednesday: Students dismiss at 1pm
Thursday, May 21st: SOL 4th and 5th Grade Reading Expediated Retakes
Friday, May 22nd: SOL 3rd and 6th Grade Reading Expediated Retakes
Monday, May 25th: School Holiday: No School
Tuesday, May 26th: Student Holiday: No School
Wednesday, May 27th: Student Holiday: No School
Thursday, May 28th: SOL 3rd, 4th, and 6th Math Expediated Retakes
Friday, May 29th: SOL 5th Science and Math Expediated Retakes
Friday, May 29th: CES vs. UMES Volleyball Game: 5:30pm: Centreville High School
Monday, June 1st: Virtual PTA Meeting: 6:00 PM
Tuesday, June 2nd: 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Spring Strings Concert: 6:00pm: Gym
Thursday, June 4th: Kindergarten Patriotic Performance: 6:30pm: Gym
Tuesday, June 9th: Spring Band Concert: 6:00pm: Gym
Wednesday, June 10th: Centreville High School Grad Walk: 2:30pm: CES Hallway
Monday, June 15th: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony: 6:00pm: Centreville High School
Farmer's Market at CES
Every Wednesday in May
4:00 pm-4:45 pm
 This year, our front display case will incorporate a collaborative approach between CES teachers and families. We will use the FCPS recognized heritage and celebration months. Families and CES staff are invited to share books, artifacts, pictures, etc. for each month.
Windows represent the opportunities we have to learn about different cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Mirrors represent children feeling valued and gives them a sense of belonging which can help validate their own experiences and identities. Doors represent experiencing another life and promotes empathy.
We will celebrate Jewish American History Month and Asian American & Pacific Islanded Heritage Month in May. If your family wants to send something in, please contact Aubrey Thorne- adthorne@fcps.edu.
    Field trip alert! Our fourth graders took a deep dive into the past at Jamestown this week. Watching them connect with history in real-time was the highlight of our journey!
 CES Summer Cookouts & Library Fun!
Summer might be a break, but the school doors are swinging open for some food and reading! Join us at the CES Cafeteria for our Summer Cookout series and Open Library checkout.
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When: July 8, July 15, and July 29
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Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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Where: CES Cafeteria
It’s a great way to keep the kids reading and grab a bite with the community during the July heat.
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
FCPS Free High Quality Half-Day Preschool Program
An Inclusive Learning Experience!
Now enrolling community peers to learn alongside preschool students with disabilities in a nurturing, high-quality environment.
Social & Emotional Development – Building confidence & friendships
Engaging Curriculum – Play-based learning with certified teachers
Who Can Apply? Children in our community, ages 3-5, who meet program criteria
Sign up here: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/early-childhood-education
 At CES, belonging isn’t just a goal—it’s our culture. From the joy of birthday celebrations and the warmth of family connections to the intentionality of small-group instruction, we strive to ensure every stakeholder knows they belong at CES.
Required Immunizations
The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- Parents/guardians may decide that their child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
 Setting the foundation for future readers! Our preschool literacy lesson combined the magic of storytelling with explicit instruction to help our students build the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading. Every page turned is a step toward success.
New Cellphone Policy Starts, July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
SYA Sports' Summer Program
From learning new skills to making new friends, SYA Sports' Summer Sports Programs keep kids moving, engaged, and having a blast all season long. Open to all experience levels! We have basketball, rugby, track & field, tennis, camps, clinics & more! Register now for summer- www.syasports.org
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
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