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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.
Dear Dranesville Families:
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I visited several Dranesville schools, as students and staff returned, and Back to School Nights. It is wonderful to see hallways and classrooms once again filled with smiles, energy, and enthusiasm. A smooth opening takes tremendous preparation, and I want to thank our custodians and facilities teams for getting our buildings ready; our principals, teachers, and school staff for managing the countless details that come with welcoming students back; and our PTA, PTSA, and PTO leaders: our Food and Nutrition staff; and bus drivers and transportation staff.
I also want to share an update regarding the ongoing concerns about crossing guards at our high schools. As of yesterday, several high school crossing guards are on duty, including at McLean High School. Crossing guards are an important part of school safety, but keeping students safe around our schools requires all of us. Pedestrians need to follow traffic rules, remain alert, and be aware of their surroundings. Drivers should allow additional time during arrival and dismissal, expect delays around our schools, and watch carefully for students walking and biking. Parents and caregivers who drive students should follow their school’s designated Kiss and Ride procedures rather than creating alternate drop-off or pick-up locations. And, when school bus transportation is available for your student, I encourage families to use it. Each of these actions can help reduce congestion and make arrival and dismissal safer for everyone. Shared below is how you can share your advocacy with the Board of Supervisors regarding funding for high school crossing guards and other safety measures to keep students safe.
On another note, I have an opening on the 2026–2027 Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC). I encourage Dranesville residents with an interest in career and technical education, workforce development, business and industry, or preparing students for future opportunities to consider applying. Please see below for additional information.
There is much to look forward to in the months ahead, and I am eager to see what our students, educators, and school communities accomplish together. I look forward to continuing to spend time in our schools, attend community events, listen to students, families, and staff across Dranesville.
Please continue to reach out and share your questions, concerns, and perspectives with me. I value hearing from you and wish all our students, families, and staff an engaging, rewarding, and successful 2026–2027 school year.
Regards,
Robyn
In this newsletter,
High School Crossing Guard Funding
Crossing guards are provided by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, not FCPS. Last year, the Board of Supervisors voted to cut funding for the crossing guards, details of the Fairfax County budget crossing guard cuts can be found here. The start of the school year saw an increase of dangerous situation at the crosswalks students depend on to get to school, leading to an incident when a student was struck near South Lakes High School.
Read Chairman Jeff McKay's newsletter on high school crossing guards.
September 15th BOS Public Hearing
There will be a Board of Supervisor's Public Hearing on the FY 2026 Carryover Funding at the Sept. 15th, 10:30 a.m. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend in person but will submit written testimony.
The sign-up information and other details:
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10:30 a.m.- Public hearing on the County and Schools' FY 2026 Carryover Review to amend the appropriation level in the FY 2027 Revised Budget Plan.
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Ways to Provide Public Hearing Testimony
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All public hearings allow for speakers to have 3 minutes to testify if speaking as an individual and 5 minutes if speaking on behalf of an organization.
- Sign up to be added to the speakers list by using the speakers sign up form or by calling the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151, TTY 711.
All full Board of Supervisors meetings are televised on Channel 16 and streamed live online with closed captions provided in English and Spanish (los subtítulos en español). Meetings are also available to view on demand following the meeting.
August 27th Regular Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Key Votes
Presentation
Academic Matters- Building Supportive School Communities
AAP Middle School Expansion Plan
The School Board voted to expand AAP Centers to every middle school. View more on BoardDocs.
Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting
The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, September 10, at Luther Jackson Middle School, at 7 p.m.
August 18th Work Session
Work Session Topics
- Middle School Afterschool Programs Discussion
- Digital Literacy Discussion
2026-2027 Dranesville CTEAC Opening
The Dranesville Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC) representative provides recommendations to the School Board on current job needs, the relevancy of career and technical education programs offered, and to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the local plan and application. The Dranesville representative will serve through July 2027, and meeting days are monthly on Thursdays.
If you are interested in this committees, fill out this interest form to share why you would like to be a representative and why you would be a good fit for this committee. Please email Dranesvillestaff@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
School Board Office Staff Opening
The School Board Office is looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant I. This position will provide wide-ranging office support and serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Board and School Board Clerk. We are looking for a proactive, friendly, organized, and adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The job position closes on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, September 8, 10:30 a.m.- All Day Work Session
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Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch school board meetings and sign up to speak:
Office of the 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. Sign up for their newsletter, Audit Buzz, which provides an update into OAG’s work.
August 2026 Audit Buzz Newsletter
Welcome to the August 2026 issue of Audit Buzz for the new school year! In this issue, we kick off Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Audit Committee; highlight recent events; and offer a training opportunity. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived on the Office of Auditor General (OAG) website.
Calendar Reminders
September 4-7: Labor Day Break: Schools and Offices Closed
September 21: Yom Kippur Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed
FCPS 2026-27 School Year Calendar
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FCPS Updates
Second Day of School at Herndon Middle School
Robyn visited Herndon MS with Dr. Reid on the Second Day of School.
Robyn's 2026 Back to School Message
Find your Back To School Night
All Back-to-School event dates are listed on individual school websites and on each region's website.
Dranesville student’s Back to School Night information:
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