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Back-to-School 2023/2024
As Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) starts back up for the 2023/2024 school year on Monday, August 21, there are many things to know before you go!
Back-To-School Community Day
To celebrate the start of the new school year, please join us on Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center for our Back-to-School Community Day! Pick up free school supplies, dance to some music, jump on the moon bounce or get your face painted, enjoy free lunch and stop by the Health & Human Services Fair which will include hearing, vision and dental screening as well as vaccines. Please check out our FAQ sheet for information you need to know before and during the event. See you there for a day of fun!
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A Message from Mount Vernon School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders
It is an exciting time in Fairfax County and in our schools. We are thrilled to welcome our students, families and educators back into our schools. We know that our students succeed when they have caring adults in their home, in their schools and in their community. Please consider volunteering in our schools. Together we can do great things for our students.
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are committed to supporting our students and families through programs and opportunities in our schools and the community. Please feel free to reach out to Karen Corbett Sanders at [email protected] and sign up for updates from FCPS.
Registration
If you are new to FCPS and have not registered your child for school yet, please do so as soon as possible.
Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Keep track of school holidays, breaks and observances with the FCPS School Year Calendar.
Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed).
Some schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). All students enrolled at these schools will be offered breakfast and lunch each day at no charge. Households with students attending these schools are not required to submit a meal application form for their students to receive meals at no charge. Check the list of schools participating in the CEP.
Road Rules for School Buses, School Zones and Crossing Guards
With more than a million residents, our roads are normally busy, but school buses add an extra layer of vehicles. While it may be tempting if you’re in a hurry, it is never OK to pass a stopped school bus, speed through a school zone or ignore a crossing guard’s direction. Learn more.
Free Therapy Services for High School Students
Teletherapy services continue to be available for all FCPS high school students. FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to help eliminate barriers to quality mental health care services for all high school students, at no cost to families. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Caregivers must first opt in their students to access Hazel Health. Learn more.
Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations help protect students from serious diseases and are required for public school entry. It is critical to keep children healthy and ready for school. Request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. Learn more about immunization requirements and the necessary documentation. Schedule your child's immunization and find a clinic location.
Summer Interns
This summer Team MVD had the pleasure of hosting two interns in our office. Thank you to Paige Humphreys and Michele Togbe for all the work they did this summer for our office and for the community. Are you a student looking for an in-person internship for the fall 2023 or spring 2024 semester? If you are interested, please send an email with your resume and a cover letter to [email protected].
Subscribe for updates from FCPS News You Choose.
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Community Information & Events | |
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Join Us as Fairfax County Unveils Its First All-Electric Trash Truck
Friday, August 25, 11 a.m.
Newington Collections Facility, 6901 Allen Park Road, Lorton
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is rolling out its first electric refuse truck to pick up residential trash and yard waste on routes throughout the County — a move that will save money and protect the environment. The new truck is another significant step in the County’s operational energy strategy, which aims for government operations to be carbon neutral by 2040, and aligns with the countywide strategic plan's Environment and Energy outcome area.
Join us for the official unveiling of the electric truck. Speakers at the event will include Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill, DPWES Director Chris Herrington and Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination Acting Director John Morrill. Learn more.
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That’s A Wrap! FCPD’s Road Shark Completes Final Wave With Incredible Results
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has successfully wrapped up its 2023 “Road Shark” campaign, issuing close to 25,000 citations and warnings to dangerous drivers on County roadways. For the last few months, officers and troopers around the County have been working tirelessly to educate and ticket drivers exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors. The Road Shark campaign has proven to have a positive impact throughout the County, which has resulted in hundreds of Driving While Intoxicated (DUI) arrests. Read more from FCPD News.
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Meet the Commander
Wednesday, August 30, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Sherwood Regional Library community room, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln.
The Mount Vernon District Police Station has a new commander, Captain Marc Mitchell. Join our office and Mount Vernon District Police Station to welcome him to the District. This is an opportunity to ask questions and to hear his vision as the Commander.
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Fairfax County Ranks Number One in Nationwide Study on Commercial Real Estate Development
Fairfax County ranked number one for best building permitting process in the United States by the NAIOP Research Foundation, a nonprofit established by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association in 2000. This ranking was decided after comparing the site plan and building permit review process of 100 communities across the U.S. and Canada. The study's researchers evaluated three critical pillars during their investigation: transparency, accountability and consistency. Fairfax County demonstrated exceptional performance across all three aspects, earning the top position and specifically receiving recognition for its accountability measures. Learn more.
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George Washington Memorial Parkway South Section and Mount Vernon Trail Improvements Plan
The National Park Service (NPS) is developing a George Washington Memorial Parkway South Section and Mount Vernon Trail Improvements Plan to guide future actions to improve the roadway and trail while maintaining the scenic and historic character of the Parkway. As part of this process, the NPS has assessed potential effects to cultural resources, which are discussed in an Assessment of Effects (AOE) Report. The AOE Report is complete, available to view and for public comment. The public comment period runs until September 1.
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Upcoming Community Meeting on the Proposed Landscaping & Screening Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Are you interested in learning more about the proposed changes to County regulations for landscaping and screening? Fairfax County is considering changes to Section 5108 – Landscaping and Screening of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, which includes parking lot landscaping, transitional screening and barrier requirements. Proposed changes and recommendations are detailed in the Draft Text, available for public review and comment. We encourage you to attend one of two upcoming virtual community meetings to learn more, share your thoughts and ask questions. The meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 30 at noon on Microsoft Teams. The agenda includes an overview of the proposed regulations and the project timeline, along with time for questions and comments to be addressed.
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Land Development Services Mapping App
Interested in construction projects in your neighborhood? Or are you concerned about the construction site near your home? You can view dynamic mapping apps to see layered activity across the County. With one-click you can open the full details of a project. Please visit the Infill and Conservation Plan Viewer to learn more. Find out what’s going on in your neighborhood and submit complaints online. Stay informed by checking status updates through PLUS!
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Fairfax County Public Library Returns to Normal Operating Hours
Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will resume normal operating hours effective Monday, August 28. With this change, the library will be open longer, offering library visitors more time to check out books, attend programs and utilize the many resources available at each of their 23 branches.
Regional branches will now be open:
- 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
Community branches will be open:
- 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
The Access Services branch, located at the Fairfax County Government Center, will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In addition to the extended branch hours, the library is always available online through its many digital offerings. Cardholders can search the digital collection on Overdrive and its mobile application Libby, stream tv shows, movies and documentaries on Kanopy and access a vast array of research databases. FCPL would like to thank the people of Fairfax County for their patience and understanding as it navigated the effects of the pandemic and staffing difficulties. FCPL is excited to once again be able to offer everyone a greater opportunity to visit its branches and enjoy its array of services.
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Did You Receive a Jury Questionnaire in Your Mailbox?
You may be one of approximately 74,000 Fairfax County or City of Fairfax residents receiving a jury duty questionnaire in the mail soon. Here is some helpful information to make the process easier. Learn more.
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Big Book Sale
Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre
The Friends of Kingstowne Library are hosting a Big Book Sale. Fill a bag for $7 at the clearance sale from 2 - 3 p.m.
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4 Reasons to Transition to Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
Why choose battery-powered leaf blowers?
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Eco-friendly: Battery-powered lawn equipment significantly reduces harm to the environment compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
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Health benefits: By eliminating emissions that can heighten respiratory conditions such as asthma, battery-powered blowers contribute to a healthier environment and improved air quality for all.
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Noise reduction: Battery-powered blowers operate at much lower decibel levels, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment for everyone.
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Cost-effective: Electric versions of lawn equipment, including leaf blowers, offer a more economical choice for both battery-powered and plug-in models.
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Youth Rally: Cry for Justice
Saturday, September 2, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Rd.
Activities will include a Virginia Voter Registration Drive, Vendor Exhibits & Demonstrations, Games/Activities, Youth Debate, Onsite Interviews for Youth, Annie Harper Historical Marker Recognition and more!
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New Climate Action Resources for Residents
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination has published a variety of new resources on its website to help residents take climate action at home and on the road. From videos of Fairfax County residents going solar and adopting electric vehicles to infographics on daily climate actions, there is information that will help save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to a changing climate. Learn more.
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Green Business Partners Program Announces New Members and Leaders
Fairfax County’s Green Business Partners (GBP) Program recognizes and supports businesses actively engaging in or interested in sustainable business practices that advance climate action and help create a carbon neutral economy. The program has two different levels of participation: Members and Leaders.
Recently, the program welcomed Members and Leaders, including:
- Inova Health System, Fairfax, Leader
- RTEC Treecare, Falls Church, Leader
- Nothing in Between Studio, Falls Church and McLean, Member
- Scrawl Books, Reston, Member
The Green Business Partners program is looking for Mount Vernon District businesses to join! The program is free and includes a variety of networking, educational and promotional benefits. Visit the Green Business Partners Program page to learn more and join today. Check out the latest video: Leader Spotlight on River-Sea Chocolates. Sign up for OEEC's Climate Action newsletter.
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Still Time to Sign Up for Summer Solar Group Purchasing Programs
Making the switch to solar power is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch, two programs that reduce the cost and complexity of going solar. Through the end of August, homeowners can sign up to receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted rate. There are even opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage. Learn more about Solarize Virginia and Solar Switch and sign up.
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South County Teen/Senior Programming to Relocate
Programming at the South County Community Center at Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) will be relocated to nearby community centers beginning in September 2023. The move is part of the large OMVHS Renovation project. The project is in the building and site permit review process, and the early scope of interior demolition. Hazmat remediation to assist the design was completed in May of this year. In preparation of the work, the Teen/Senior Center programming and staff will be relocated to nearby centers, including Hybla Valley, Gum Springs or Lorton Senior Center, and the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults. The gymnasium will remain open and scheduled for limited programming until the construction starts in the Spring of 2024. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Updates
This major renovation and addition project is anticipated to be complete in early 2025. Learn more about the project.
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The first photo (left) shows some of the work being performed in the pool area. The second (middle) and third (right) photos show the existing foundation slab that has been cut in several areas to accommodate new piping or new footers necessary to support a two-level facility. | | | | |
