On March 18, it was truly a privilege to partner with Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and her team for the Spanish Budget Townhall. I am especially grateful to reporter Andrea Sarralde, community member Annie Arollo Peña, and the Channel 16 team for helping create a welcoming and accessible space for our Spanish-speaking families.

During this important conversation with our Spanish speaking community, I shared key facts about Fairfax County Public Schools—including that we serve more than 180,000 students, represent over 200 languages, and employ more than 41,000 staff, 92.6% of whom work directly in our schools. I made it a priority to explain what these numbers mean in real, everyday terms— because behind every number is a child, a family, and a story.

My hope is to continue creating spaces where every member of our community feels informed, included, and connected. Your voice matters, and I remain committed to listening, sharing, and working together for the success of all our students and families.

Just two days later, on March 20, I was reminded once again why this work matters. At the Edu-Futuro Gala, I had the honor of sitting with the parents of a former Mount Vernon Woods Elementary student. As they were recognized for completing their GEDs, their daughters beamed with pride. It was a moment that truly stayed with me, reminding me of the resilience, sacrifice, and hope that drive so many of our families.  Seeing that family celebrate together was a beautiful reminder that when we invest in our communities, we change lives in ways that last far beyond a single moment.

On March 26, the School Board will celebrate Youth Art Month with a proclamation on Music, Theatre, & the Arts. I had the pleasure of taking in a fantastic musical performance put on by the Rose Hill Elementary School Players at Edison High School. Their original musical, Rock Bottom, was an absolute blast! I appreciate teacher Danny Adams and all those who supported this production. Go Rockets! I’d also like to recognize the Key Middle School Theatre class and their theater arts director, Ashley Promisel, for performing a preview of their student-written play, “The War of Winter” at Gatehouse. And a shout out to the Greater Springfield-Franconia Area Honor Band, whose recent performance at Lewis High School showcased nine Franconia Elementary students. 

Best Regards,

Keep in touch: 

Email: mstjohncunni@fcps.edu

Facebook:  Marcia.FCPS.Franconia

Instagram: marcia_fcps_franconia

Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship

The Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship provides $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four (4) years (contingent upon continued enrollment and eligibility), to Lewis High School Seniors to support their postsecondary education. The scholarship application is open until Friday, April 17, 2026.

Black History Month Celebration

Fairfax County Public Schools recently hosted its second annual Black History Month Celebration at Carter G. Woodson High School, bringing together students, staff, and community members under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence.” The event, held during the 100th anniversary year of Black History Month’s origins, honored both history and the promise of the future.

I’d like to take a moment to recognize our very own Franconia students who participated in this special event: Hayley Rush of Edison High School and the students from Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School choir.

2026 Potomac Region Librarian of the Year

We are proud to announce that Clermont Elementary’s own librarian, Mrs. Kannan Cangro, has been named the 2026 Potomac Region Librarian of the Year.

Mrs. Cangro received this well-deserved honor during the Potomac Spring Regional Conference held on Saturday, March 14, in Gainesville, Virginia. This recognition highlights her dedication, leadership, and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning within our school community.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Cangro on this outstanding achievement!

Special Thank you to Educate Fairfax:  

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students at Lewis High School recently visited the Amazon Skills Center in Arlington thanks to a grant from Educate Fairfax. During the visit, students explored emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing while participating in hands-on activities that demonstrated how these technologies power modern businesses. Preparing our students for 22nd century careers is a key strategy for student success and opportunities like this are what makes FCPS an education leader in Virginia and the nation. Go Lancers!!