Students perform “High School Musical 2” during a final dress rehearsal at the Institute for the Arts’ Production Camp.
Be First-Day Ready
The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start.
Also find out what will be new this school year.
Weekly Reflections: Student Leadership Helps FCPS Think Sustainably
In her August 10 Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the work of several students preparing for a better, brighter future.
Last week, she met with the Superintendent Youth Environmental Council. At the event, she talked with Anna Panjwani, a member of the council, who recently presented a new Sustainability Index. It provides a holistic look at school sustainability by bringing together data on electricity, natural gas, water, waste, recycling, and student engagement.
She also met last week with Abhinav Agarwal, a rising 7th grader at Katherine Johnson Middle School, who is working on a plan to harness, store, and transmit the sun’s energy. Read more highlights in Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
New Student Device Requirement
Starting this school year, students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology
A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.
Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.
All Your FCPS Links in One Spot
There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub!
Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.
Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
New Secondary Math Textbooks
Middle school students enrolled in Math 6 through Algebra 2 will be using new textbooks this school year. A committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers reviewed materials and provided input on the selection.
A Welcoming Start for FCPS Military Families
Earlier this month at the Mission Ready: Back to School Resource Fair, FCPS partnered with Blue Star Families to provide military families a strong start to the year with school supplies, information, and community connections. This is the fair’s third year. It was open to active duty, National Guard, the reserves, and veteran families.
Read more about how FCPS partners with our military families. Sign up for the Military Family newsletter.
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey.
We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed.
Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.
Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families.
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we prepare for another exciting fall sports season, FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screenings using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our middle and high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games.
These enhancements are designed to support a safe and welcoming environment while allowing families, students, and community members to enjoy Friday night football. We encourage attendees to arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for screening. Get more information about weapons screening at football games.
Calendar Reminder: First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year. View the 2026-27 school year calendar for additional important dates.
Elementary School Early Release Wednesdays
Three-hour early release Wednesdays will continue for the 2026-27 school year, but this year, each school will have four early release days instead of eight. Learn more about early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
Learn English or Strengthen Your Skills Through FCPS ACE
Build practical English skills and confidence for work, family, community, and everyday life through FCPS ACE adult English classes. Classes are available for learners from beginner to advanced, with day and evening options at convenient FCPS locations. Career-focused courses are also available.
Fall Adult ESOL registration is also underway, and scholarships are available. Testing is required for new students to determine the appropriate class level. Visit the FCPS ACE website for information and to register.
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