Happy School Board Appreciation Month!
Thank you to our School Board for your leadership, service, and continued dedication to FCPS students and families.
Thank you to our School Board for your leadership, service, and continued dedication to FCPS students and families.
Here are the latest Patriots of the Week.
Spelling excellence on display! 📚✨
Congratulations to our Division Spelling Bee champions:
🥇 Liam Clark, First Place
🥈 Matthew Palko, Second Place
A special thank-you to all of our participants who made this year’s Division Spelling Bee such a success. Best of luck to Liam Clark as he represents FCPS at the Regional Spelling Bee later this month!
Congratulations to our Division Spelling Bee champions:
🥇 Liam Clark, First Place
🥈 Matthew Palko, Second Place
A special thank-you to all of our participants who made this year’s Division Spelling Bee such a success. Best of luck to Liam Clark as he represents FCPS at the Regional Spelling Bee later this month!
FCPS families and staff,
We are excited to have our students back in our school buildings tomorrow, Monday, February 9, with schools opening on time.
As we return, we ask everyone to continue using caution while traveling. Road conditions may still vary, so please allow extra time in the morning, drive carefully, and remain attentive when gathering at bus stops.
The safety of our students, families, and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued partnership as we resume our regular schedule on Monday, February 9.
We are excited to have our students back in our school buildings tomorrow, Monday, February 9, with schools opening on time.
As we return, we ask everyone to continue using caution while traveling. Road conditions may still vary, so please allow extra time in the morning, drive carefully, and remain attentive when gathering at bus stops.
The safety of our students, families, and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued partnership as we resume our regular schedule on Monday, February 9.
Mon: Wear BRIGHT colored clothes.
Tuesday: Wear Superhero clothes!
Wed: Wear your favorite unique clothes!
Thurs: Wear Yellow and Green or
HMES gear!
Fri: Wear Pink and Red or other Valentine's day attire!
FCPS would like to welcome Mrs. Zuleyne Izquierdo into her new role as the District Coordinator for English Learner Programs and the Connection Resources Center. Mrs. Izquierdo previously served as an assistant principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School.
She says, "This work is deeply personal to me. English is also my second language, and my own journey as a multilingual learner continues to shape how I view education, equity, and the importance of belonging in our schools."
In her role as District Coordinator for English Learner Programs, she partners closely with schools and departments to ensure strong, compliant, and student-centered English Learner programming. Her work focuses on instructional alignment, service delivery, monitoring, documentation, and professional collaboration so that multilingual learners have equitable access to high-quality instruction. She supports schools in navigating identification, services, assessment, and monitoring requirements while keeping students’ academic growth and language development at the center of every decision.
Through the Connection Resources Center, Mrs. Izquierdo works alongside a dedicated team that supports multilingual and newcomer families, where relationships and family engagement are at the heart of our efforts. Their goal is to support multilingual and newcomer students and families as they transition into our school community.
She says, "Together, we focus on building trust, strengthening communication, and helping families navigate school systems with confidence." The team also connects families to school and community resources so they feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to advocate for their children.
What Is the Connection Resource Center?
The Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) Connection Resources Center (CRC) serves as a centralized support hub for multilingual students and families transitioning into FCPS. Established in 2023 and housed at the Walker-Grant Center, the CRC operates under the Department of Teaching and Learning and is supervised by the Director of Student Programs.
The CRC’s mission is to strengthen family engagement, support student adjustment, and remove barriers to access by providing culturally and linguistically responsive support. The CRC team collaborates closely with schools, families, and community partners to assist with enrollment, communication, and connection to school and community resources, with a particular focus on supporting newcomer and multilingual families.
She says, "This work is deeply personal to me. English is also my second language, and my own journey as a multilingual learner continues to shape how I view education, equity, and the importance of belonging in our schools."
In her role as District Coordinator for English Learner Programs, she partners closely with schools and departments to ensure strong, compliant, and student-centered English Learner programming. Her work focuses on instructional alignment, service delivery, monitoring, documentation, and professional collaboration so that multilingual learners have equitable access to high-quality instruction. She supports schools in navigating identification, services, assessment, and monitoring requirements while keeping students’ academic growth and language development at the center of every decision.
Through the Connection Resources Center, Mrs. Izquierdo works alongside a dedicated team that supports multilingual and newcomer families, where relationships and family engagement are at the heart of our efforts. Their goal is to support multilingual and newcomer students and families as they transition into our school community.
She says, "Together, we focus on building trust, strengthening communication, and helping families navigate school systems with confidence." The team also connects families to school and community resources so they feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to advocate for their children.
What Is the Connection Resource Center?
The Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) Connection Resources Center (CRC) serves as a centralized support hub for multilingual students and families transitioning into FCPS. Established in 2023 and housed at the Walker-Grant Center, the CRC operates under the Department of Teaching and Learning and is supervised by the Director of Student Programs.
The CRC’s mission is to strengthen family engagement, support student adjustment, and remove barriers to access by providing culturally and linguistically responsive support. The CRC team collaborates closely with schools, families, and community partners to assist with enrollment, communication, and connection to school and community resources, with a particular focus on supporting newcomer and multilingual families.
Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
Families of students with disabilities, the latest bulletin from the Virginia Department of Education is now available. This edition includes important updates, resources, and information to support our students and families. View it here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VADOE/bulletins/407569b
Families of students with disabilities, the latest bulletin from the Virginia Department of Education is now available. This edition includes important updates, resources, and information to support our students and families. View it here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VADOE/bulletins/407569b
Ms. Phipps, Ms. Floyd, and Ms. Mitchell braved the cold this morning to witness the historic Walk for Peace.
We are looking forward to welcoming students and staff back to our school buildings on Wednesday, February 4, with classes resuming on a 2-hour delay.
As we return, we ask everyone to take extra care as weather conditions may still impact roads, sidewalks, and other areas. Please plan ahead and allow additional time for travel. Slow down while driving and remain cautious on sidewalks, parking lots, and other areas where ice may still be present. We also encourage heightened awareness of students and pedestrians who may be navigating icy streets and walkways.
At this time, there remain some locations where school buses may be unable to safely enter or maneuver single-lane roads. In these cases, buses may need to pick up students at a nearby safe location that may differ from the usual bus stop. Families are encouraged to identify safe areas near their regular bus stops and remain attentive to morning conditions. Transportation will be sending ParentSquare messages regarding known problems to impacted routes. Expect delays.
We will re-evaluate conditions in the morning, including any changes that may occur this evening, and adjust as needed.
The safety of our students, families, and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued partnership and patience as we transition back to our regular schedule. We look forward to seeing our students soon and returning to learning together on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, on a 2-hour delay schedule.
As we return, we ask everyone to take extra care as weather conditions may still impact roads, sidewalks, and other areas. Please plan ahead and allow additional time for travel. Slow down while driving and remain cautious on sidewalks, parking lots, and other areas where ice may still be present. We also encourage heightened awareness of students and pedestrians who may be navigating icy streets and walkways.
At this time, there remain some locations where school buses may be unable to safely enter or maneuver single-lane roads. In these cases, buses may need to pick up students at a nearby safe location that may differ from the usual bus stop. Families are encouraged to identify safe areas near their regular bus stops and remain attentive to morning conditions. Transportation will be sending ParentSquare messages regarding known problems to impacted routes. Expect delays.
We will re-evaluate conditions in the morning, including any changes that may occur this evening, and adjust as needed.
The safety of our students, families, and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued partnership and patience as we transition back to our regular schedule. We look forward to seeing our students soon and returning to learning together on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, on a 2-hour delay schedule.
Happy School Counseling Week to our amazing counselors, Stephanie Martens and Janet Nelson! We appreciate all you do!
FCPS is Code Blue Tuesday, February 3
Fredericksburg City Schools will operate on Code Blue, which is a REMOTE LEARNING DAY, Tuesday, February 3. While school parking lots look good right now, continued road and sidewalk conditions present challenges getting families and staff to and from schools.
All staff should plan to work remotely from home tomorrow. 12-month employees have the option of reporting to buildings or teleworking.
Essential employees should report according to supervisor’s guidance.
There will be meal distribution for students tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, from noon until 2pm at James Monroe High School. Students do not need to be present - only a parent or adult relative needs to provide a student’s name for meal pick up.
Again, FCPS buildings will have limited availability to 12-month employees. Students are expected to learn from home and staff should work remotely tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3.
Fredericksburg City Schools will operate on Code Blue, which is a REMOTE LEARNING DAY, Tuesday, February 3. While school parking lots look good right now, continued road and sidewalk conditions present challenges getting families and staff to and from schools.
All staff should plan to work remotely from home tomorrow. 12-month employees have the option of reporting to buildings or teleworking.
Essential employees should report according to supervisor’s guidance.
There will be meal distribution for students tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, from noon until 2pm at James Monroe High School. Students do not need to be present - only a parent or adult relative needs to provide a student’s name for meal pick up.
Again, FCPS buildings will have limited availability to 12-month employees. Students are expected to learn from home and staff should work remotely tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3.
I is for igloo.
After you finish your remote learning for the day, see if you can SAFELY take a walk on this slightly warmer day. You never know what you'll find. One of the HM Patriots found this igloo.
We miss you Patriots.
Happy National School Counseling Week! 🎉
This week, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our school counselors. Stay tuned as we shine a spotlight on our magnificent counselors all week long!
This week, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our school counselors. Stay tuned as we shine a spotlight on our magnificent counselors all week long!
FCPS proudly celebrates Black History Month, honoring the voices, stories, and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation and continue to inspire our students every day. 🖤✨
❄️ We Appreciate You! ❄️
Through snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, our hard-working staff continues to show incredible dedication by working hard to clear our school grounds and keep them safe. Your time, effort, and commitment during this winter storm do not go unnoticed. Thank you for taking such great care of our schools and our community!
These are the Patriots of the Week
Due to incoming inclement weather, we are postponing Lafayette Elementary School’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 24, from 7–9 PM.
The celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 7–9 PM, and we look forward to gathering then.
We are truly grateful to everyone who has already RSVP’d and to our generous sponsors for their continued support. We hope you will join us in April as we celebrate this important milestone in Lafayette’s history.
The celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 7–9 PM, and we look forward to gathering then.
We are truly grateful to everyone who has already RSVP’d and to our generous sponsors for their continued support. We hope you will join us in April as we celebrate this important milestone in Lafayette’s history.
Last week, 5th grade explored measurements with math activities.
The students were learning liters, kilograms, grams, centimeters, millimeters, meters, and kilometer.
💛💚 At Hugh Mercer, we like to celebrate the good. One way we celebrate is by recognizing accomplishments like perfect attendance. When a class has perfect attendance for the day, they get to display these Perfect attendance signs!! Attendance matters because you matter. 💛💚
Hugh Mercer students presented the word of the month at the school board meeting. The word was citizenship and they shared their thoughts about what it means to be a good citizen.
