Letter from Superintendent, FHS Teacher Named STOTY

City of Fairfax Schools CloseUp

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From the Superintendent

Dear City of Fairfax students, parents, staff and residents,

From all of us at the City of Fairfax Schools and School Board, we join with the Fairfax community in acknowledging with sadness the tragic events in Florida and an emotional release from our own threat last week. I would like to commend the City of Fairfax Police Department, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the staff at Fairfax High School (FHS) for their diligent work to keep our children safe. Through their hard work, they were able to mitigate the threat within one day.

Throughout the halls at FHS you will see the phrase "We are Fairfax....We are Family" and it was clear to see how the administration and teachers dedicate themselves to the security of the students every day.

We are committed to provide as much information as we can when events arise. We are also committed to support our police department and to provide information that is accurate and up to date. With the ubiquitous nature of social media, we understand how news can spread and how unsettling it is as a parent, staff, student or resident to hear pieces of information that may or may not be true. The City of Fairfax Schools work alongside FCPS, Fairfax County Police Department and City of Fairfax Police Department to provide the most current information. If you haven't done so, please subscribe to your school's Keep In Touch emails and "like or follow" the City police department, FCPS and the City of Fairfax Schools on Facebook and Twitter.

I would also like to ask for your help to speak with your children about the use of social media and the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they see or hear something from a fellow student that is threatening.

As we ended an emotional week last week, it was my pleasure to join FCPS and Principal Goldfarb in honoring Ms. Jennifer Swientoniowski. Nominated by a student, Ms. Swientoniowski was named Teacher of the Year for Region 5 and we could not be more proud. Ms. Swientoniowski is a wonderful representative of our entire pyramid and the City of Fairfax Schools wishes her heart-filled congratulations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Phyllis Pajardo

Superintendent, City of Fairfax Schools

FHS Teacher Jennifer Swientoniowski Named Region 5 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to FHS English teacher Jennifer Swientoniowski for being named the Region 5 Secondary Teacher of the Year! Ms. Swientoniowski was nominated by one of her students and is known for her enthusiasm and dedication to all of her students. After being named the Fairfax High School Secondary Pyramid Teacher of the Year, Ms. Swientoniowski was named the Region 5 Secondary Teacher of the Year. She will move forward as one of five finalists for all of Fairfax County Public Schools secondary teachers.

According to Diego Wilson, City of Fairfax Schools Assistant Superintendent and former FHS administrator, the award is well deserved. "Ms. Swientoniowski always seeks the opportunities to work with all kids. She has the foresight to determine their needs and pushes students to challenge themselves."

Schools Present Annual State of the School Reports

Daniels Run ES and Providence ES administrators presented their annual State of the Schools reports to the City of Fairfax School Board. The community is welcome and encouraged to watch the presentations. (see how below)

The State of the Schools Reports are only available to the City of Fairfax Schools, one of the many benefits of attending a city school. Principals in all four schools present to the City School Board major initiatives, student data, challenges and solutions and provide their overall philosophy for guiding student achievement and growth. The meetings are open to the public and we encourage all our community to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Presentation schedule is as follows:

January: Daniels Run ES (January Special Meeting, January 16, 2018, available online)

February: Providence ES (February Regular School Board Meeting, February 5, 2018, available online)

March: Lanier MS - Principal Lenart will present Monday, March 5 at 7:30 in City Hall. The presentation will also run on cable channel 12.

April: Fairfax HS- Principal Dave Goldfarb will present Monday, April 9 at 7:30 at City Hall. The presentation will also run on cable channel 12.

To watch the presentations online, please go to the City of Fairfax website. Click on Meetings, School Board and find the month for your school.

City Schools in the News

City of Fairfax School Board

Jon Buttram, Chairman Carolyn Pitches, Vice Chairman

Toby Sorensen Dr. Mitch Sutterfield Bob Reinsel

Dr. Phyllis Pajardo, Superintendent