Fairfax County Public Schools middle schoolers gained access to free virtual mental health therapy through Hazel Health on July 1, a program previously available only to high school students.

The expansion covers students at every FCPS middle school, including Thoreau Middle School in Vienna. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid's district listed the Hazel Health expansion as a key initiative for the 2026-27 school year on its "What's New" page.

FCPS first partnered with Hazel Health in 2023 to offer teletherapy to high school students, according to FFXnow. The district's teletherapy page confirms the service covers both middle and high school students.

Sessions are virtual, private and confidential, according to the district. Parents can refer their child directly. Hazel therapists can help students dealing with anxiety, bullying, peer and family relationship issues, academic stress, grief and mood or behavior changes.

The service costs families nothing.

FCPS said in its Sept. 16 newsletter that parents should contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support, have noticed changes in their child's mood or behavior, or are having difficulty finding a therapist in the community. Families can enroll at getstarted.hazel.co/district/fcps or visit fcps.edu/teletherapy.

Madison pyramid early release Sept. 30

Elementary schools in the Madison, McLean and Falls Church pyramids will dismiss students three hours early on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The early release also applies to elementary schools in nine other pyramids across the county.

The district's newsletter did not specify whether middle or high schools in those pyramids are also affected.

FCPS college fair set for Oct. 18 at George Mason

The annual FCPS College Fair is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena. About 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.

A virtual postsecondary night follows on Monday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Schools and offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 21, for Yom Kippur.