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The Dixit Dialogue
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
There is a noticeable crispness in the air as we move further into October and fall. Routines are set, the newness of the school year is beginning to fade, and the end of the first quarter is just around the corner. It can be easy to get swept up in the demands of each day—the news headlines, busy schedules, and the constant rush to keep everyone on course.
When life feels especially full, I hope we can each find a moment to slow down and take a breath. Offer yourself a little grace, and share a kind word with someone else. Take a walk, notice the beauty of the season, and give yourself time to return with a fresh perspective. Even a brief pause can help us meet the day—and one another—with greater patience and care.
October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to reflect on how we can help every student feel safe, respected, and included. Each of us brings different strengths, experiences, and ways of seeing the world. Taking time to understand and appreciate those differences can help build school communities where everyone feels they belong. A thoughtful word, an invitation to join in, or the choice to speak up when someone is being hurt can make a lasting difference.
As we move through this busy season, I hope we can look out for one another and remember that small acts of kindness matter. May we make room for a little more patience, compassion, and understanding—for ourselves and for the people around us.
In Partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
 October is...
Disability History and Awareness Month
Custodian Appreciation Day (October 2)
National Bullying Prevention Month
Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 12)
FCPS Digital Citizenship Week (October 16 - 20)
National Principals Month
Inside this Newsletter:
Sully Happenings
2026 FCPS Impact Awards
 It was my honor and privilege to attend the 2026 FCPS Impact Awards and celebrate the employees whose exceptional contributions help advance FCPS’s strategic goals. Through their collaboration, commitment to equity, innovative ideas, and dedication to student success, these honorees make a meaningful difference across our schools and communities.
Another Amazing Run for Asha-Jyothi
 It was wonderful to see so many Sully District students and families at Asha-Jyothi’s 18th Annual 5K Run! I’m incredibly proud of everyone who came out to run, walk, and cheer in support of their schools. Deer Park and Navy Elementary Schools had the second- and third-highest numbers of registered participants, earning recognition for their strong community turnout!
I was also proud to celebrate this year’s Asha-Jyothi Educate-Innovate Grant recipients: Oak Hill Elementary, Skyview High School, and Brookfield Elementary, which received a $16,000 grant to build a podcast studio; and Navy Elementary, whose $50,000 grant will help complete its STEAM lab. I’m grateful to Asha-Jyothi for its continued investment in our schools and community.
After the race, I presented Asha-Jyothi with Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of its commitment to expanding STEM and STEAM learning opportunities. Please join me at the School Board’s regular meeting this Thursday, October 8, when I will present a proclamation honoring Asha-Jyothi’s dedication and generous support of STEM and STEAM education throughout Fairfax County.
Back to School Night Visits
Brookfield Elementary may be small, but their SCHOOL SPIRIT can be heard across the district! Principal Lesley Hassen generously shared her time and gave me a tour of Brookfield’s newly built Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. Brookfield’s newest students now have beautiful, light-filled learning spaces, with additional classroom renovations to come!
I also enjoyed learning from Brookfield’s amazing school counselors, Monica Evans and Tandra Jones, about the lessons they bring into classrooms and the support they provide to students and families. Resource Teacher Emily Zarybnisky introduced me to Brookfield’s AVID program, which is available to all students in third through sixth grade, as well as the school-wide AVID strategies that begin in kindergarten. I look forward to attending the upcoming AVID information and family session
Thank you to the Brookfield team for welcoming me and for all you do to support your students and families!
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There is always something new at Lees Corner Elementary! Just inside the newly renovated entryway, staff had set out copies of the FCPS Family Advocacy Handbook and Student Rights and Responsibilities in multiple languages. This is just one example of the resources Lees Corner and FCPS provide to support our diverse communities.
Principal VaRonica Sloan graciously led me on a tour of the school’s latest renovations, including bright new classrooms, a large, light-filled cafeteria, and a renovated kitchen. Her excellent project management was evident throughout the school, and I look forward to seeing all of the new spaces once the renovations are complete.
Thank you to the Lees Corner team for welcoming me and for all you do to support your students and families!
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Board News & Upcoming Sessions
 Top Priorities & Board Work
It is my privilege and honor to represent the Sully District on the School Board and it is a responsibility I hold close to my heart. I’m committed to listening to our community and working to ensure every student in Sully and across Fairfax County has the resources, support, and high-quality instruction they need to thrive.
You can find the latest updates and news from the School Board regular meetings, work sessions, and committee meetings in The Dixit Recap.
Upcoming Meetings and Sessions
Monday, October 12th 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Audit Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 15th 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Legislative Briefing
Tuesday, October 20th 5:00 - 8:30 PM | Work Session
Thursday, October 22nd 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting
Agendas for all meetings and work sessions are posted on Board Docs.
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Office of Auditor General
The Office of Auditor General (OAG) reports to the School Board. OAG’s mission is to independently determine whether the ongoing FCPS processes are designed and functioning effectively, efficiently and be accountable to the Fairfax County community members.
The Audit Buzz - The September issue of the Audit Buzz newsletter is now available. It highlights how the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) detects and helps prevent fraud, waste, and abuse across FCPS, and how employees and community members can support these efforts.
Stay updated on the OAG's work and news by signing up for their newsletter via FCPS News You Choose. You can also find out more information about OAG on their webpage.
Sully Spotlight
FCPS 2026 Impact Awards
Congratulations to the incredible individuals and teams honored by FCPS for their commitment to collaboration and partnerships and dedication to student achievement. Several educators from the Sully district were recipients of this honor.
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