FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid told 27 student journalists on Friday, Oct. 23, that the district has started offering Spanish-language math classes and is seeing signs of improvement in student mental health.

The roundtable at the Gatehouse Administration Center covered advanced coursework for multilingual learners, support for military-connected families and student mental health, according to FCPS. The session came as Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) reaches the midpoint of its 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Student reporters representing nearly all of the district's high schools and secondary schools attended.

Spanish-language Algebra I classes

Tram, a student journalist from Annandale High School representing The A-Blast newspaper, asked how FCPS plans to raise academic expectations for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

"We were really intentional last year about making sure our multilingual students had access to, in particular, higher-level math classes," Reid said. "We even started offering Spanish-speaking math classes at a couple of our middle schools. Last year at Glasgow Middle School, we had a Spanish-speaking Algebra I class in 8th grade."

That matters. Getting every FCPS student through Algebra I by eighth grade supports the Strategic Plan's goal for academic growth and excellence, according to the district.

Military families and Purple Star status

Kaitlyn, representing South Lakes High School, asked about easing transitions for students in military families.

Reid said FCPS became a Purple Star Division, meaning every school has ambassadors and supports for military-connected students. She added that the district is looking at online resources so incoming students can connect before they arrive, including virtual school tours and landing pages.

Virginia districts earn the designation when 100% of their schools are recognized under the state's Purple Star program. Requirements include a trained staff contact, staff training on military-connected student needs and a student-led transition program at each school.

FCPS is the largest Purple Star Division in Virginia, according to the district. More than 12,600 military-connected students are enrolled across the district's 200-plus schools.

Reid set the divisionwide goal in September 2024. At that time, 69 schools held the designation.

Mental health and fentanyl

Ellie, a student from Falls Church High School, asked how the district ensures students get the emotional and mental health support they need.

Reid said recent youth surveys show student mental health is improving. She said efforts to curb recent serious issues, including the fentanyl crisis, proved successful, but the challenge remains constant.

"I do worry about our strongest students and most active athletes or actors or musicians because I feel like they can mask symptoms longer and then it becomes a really serious issue that we have to deal with," Reid said.

A growing tradition

The Oct. 23 session was the third student journalist roundtable with Reid, following events in spring 2025 and spring 2026. Principals and journalism advisers from each FCPS high school and secondary school nominate one student to attend. The 2026-27 school year is the first to offer two roundtables. A second is planned for spring 2027.