Aug. 17, 2022

Neighbors,

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again, but this coming Monday, Aug. 22 more than 180,000 Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) students will be heading back to class at 198 schools and centers. Our children have been through a lot during the pandemic and we are all hopeful for a "normal" and successful school year!

I also want to remind all Hunter Mill District residents to slow down when driving in school zones and near school buses. Please remember that drivers traveling in any of the lanes going in the same direction as the school bus must stop when the bus is loading or unloading students. Learn more.

Even if you don't have children in FCPS, here is information you should know:

• Michelle Reid, Ed.D. is the new FCPS superintendent, effective July 1. She was previously the superintendent for Northshore School District, Washington, since 2016. Dr. Reid was named AASA National Superintendent of the Year in 2021 for exemplary communications, her work in closing achievement gaps, and leading her previous school system through the pandemic. 
• The FCPS annual budget is more than $3 billion, with more than 64 percent of the budget funded by Fairfax County residents. More than 86 percent of the FCPS budget goes toward instruction.
• Demographics of our student population:
• Over 200 languages are spoken by students in pre-K through 12th grade.
• 27 percent of our total student population is economically disadvantaged.
• 14.4 percent are reported as students with disabilities.
• More than 20 percent of students are English learners.
• 2021-2022 demographics chart
• Resources:
• Calendar of school holidays, observance days and breaks
• Immunization requirements for students 
• Donate to help students in need or fund teacher grants
• FCPS School Board; Melanie Meren is the Hunter Mill District representative

Best wishes to all our Hunter Mill District students and families!

Regards,

Walter

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

Starting this week, adults 18 years of age and older who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine and are interested in getting one, can now make an appointment for the recently authorized Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted. Due to limited availability, Novavax will only be offered by appointment. Learn more.

• Community Levels By County
• Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard

Several great events took place at the beginning of August in Hunter Mill District and the county. Here are a few highlights:

4-H Fair and Carnival Aug. 4-7

This fun annual event was back at Frying Pan Farm Park with lots of rides, as well as goat, sheep and horse shows, to name a few highlights. I had the honor of participating in the opening ceremony and meeting several of the ribbon winners, including Abby (pictured) who won a ribbon for sheep handling. 

Learn more

Reston Museum's Cardboard Boat Regatta Aug. 13 at Lake Anne 

It was a beautiful day last Saturday, Aug. 13 for the annual cardboard boat regatta. Winners of the first place categories included Hunters Woods Elementary (cadet category), YMCA (Navigator), Cinder (Skipper), the People's choice award went to Mr. Matt and the WildFlowers, and the Titanic Award went to Terraset Elementary. Congrats to all the winners and participants! 

Learn more.

Beagles at Fairfax County Animal Shelter 

A couple weeks ago, I got to meet the very friendly and personable beagles that arrived at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. The beagles were rescued from a research facility in southern Virginia last month. The Humane Society is coordinating an effort with numerous shelters and rescues to rescue 4,000 beagles from the facility and the shelter expects to receive more beagles in the coming months. The 16  beagles currently at the shelter are being medically checked and will be available for adoption soon. 

Learn more.

At our meeting on Aug. 2, the Board of Supervisors approved a $15 million Housing Blueprint loan to a joint venture of nonprofit AHC Inc. and the Insight Property Group for the acquisition of Colvin Woods Apartments in Reston. This preservation of more than 250 affordable apartments is a significant accomplishment in moving to preserve the nearly 9,000 market affordable units in communities across the county. The Housing Blueprint loan will be administered by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority – which approved the loan at their July 21 meeting – and will be funded from the county’s Affordable Housing Development and Investment Fund.

This is a major step for maintaining and sustaining one of Reston’s wonderful neighborhoods. Affordable housing like Colvin Woods opens doors to long-term success for working families and avoids displacing families who would otherwise be in danger of becoming homeless. As we promote housing stability and create opportunities to strengthen the individuals and families of Reston, our community grows stronger together.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Update

The last scheduled meeting of the task force is Monday, Aug. 22 to discuss and endorse Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Draft Recommendations, as well as the draft community health chapter. County staff will prepare their staff report and final recommendations in the coming weeks, and a series of fall community engagement sessions are being finalized. Look for dates and additional information in an upcoming newsletter. 

• Monday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. The meeting is hosted by Webex. Use this link to attend and participate. Call in and listen to the meeting: dial 1-844-621-3956, and use access code: 2342 109 5431.

The meeting can also be viewed on YouTube. To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the Task Force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The archive of meeting details and agendas is here. The video archive of all past task force meetings can be found on my YouTube page. If you have questions or would like to provide input, please email [email protected].

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls

Sign up for this award-winning program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. This free program runs Sept. 12 to Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn fall prevention strategies, connect with others, and exercise to strengthen balance, flexibility and coordination. Held at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Preregistration required. To register, call the Vienna Community Center at 703-255-6360.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis recently recorded a video to update the community on the department's staffing shortages, recruitment efforts and other matters of interest. You can watch it here:

Avoid Scams that Target Travelers 

If you are planning a vacation, the county's Golden Gazette has helpful information about scams that target travelers and tips to avoid getting scammed. Learn more. 

Registration for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training is Open

Registration is now open for CERT training that will take place in November and December. CERT teaches people to safely respond to emergencies or disasters when first responders may be delayed. This training prepares participants the ability to provide life-saving care for many emergencies. The course concludes with a disaster exercise designed to challenge your new skills. Learn more. 

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Open House Sept. 10 at Patrick Henry Library

AAUW’s Vienna Area Branch invites you to an open house at Patrick Henry Library on Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to noon. Explore what AAUW and the Vienna Area Branch have to offer members: interest groups, public programs, and engagement in AAUW’s advocacy for equity for women and girls in education, the workplace, and government. New members joining at the event will receive a discount on the first year’s dues. Visit https://vienna-va.aauw.net for more information.