Family Communication Resources (2024)

FCPS uses many communication tools to connect with parents and caregivers

FCPS Communications for Families

FCPS is committed to providing families with regular news and information to support student learning and to promote family involvement. FCPS communicates in many ways, such as:

Student Information System (SIS)- SIS ParentVUE

The Student Information System (SIS) provides secure online access to student information for parents and middle/high schoolers.

After obtaining a SIS ParentVUEaccount, parents can access information about their child's attendance, report cards, class schedules, discipline, health, and emergency contact/ physician information. In addition, parents of middle and high school student can access course histories, course requests, and gradebooks.

Your SIS ParentVUElogin credentials can also be used to access Schoology (see more below).

All parents/guardians of middle school and high students, who have registered for a SIS Parent Account and have a primary email address recorded in SIS, receive Weekly Progress Reports.

FCPS Text Messaging for Parents

Parent cell phone numbers that are listed in theSISare automatically enrolled to receive text messages. Text messaging is an additional way to quickly and efficiently contact parents when your child’s school or district needs to notify you in cases of emergency, attendance, and essential communications related to your student(s) education. Note that the text messaging option is not meant to replace primary modes of communication (email, phone message, school website, or backpack letters).

TalkingPoints

TalkingPoints is an easy and safe way families can communicate in their home languages with their child’s teachers for free. There are two ways families can use TalkingPoints.

School and teacher messages will come directly to the phone number that is registered in our system as a SMS text or through the TalkingPoints Parent App.
You can reply by text or through the app.

Schoology

Schoology helps students stay organized. Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a safe forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically.

Your SIS ParentVUE (parent account) login credentials can also be used to access Schoology. Parents can use Schoology tosee a child's classes, assignments, and announcements.

News You Choose

This subscription-based, email communication tool is used for the distribution of non-critical communications such as newsletters, events, news updates, and other topics. Parents can subscribe to newsletters on hundreds of topics including:

School newsletters
FCPS This Week (division news)
School Board members
Family Resource Center (webinars, events, and other parent resources)
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities
Family and School Partnerships
And more!

Sign up now!

Naviance Student

Naviance Student is a comprehensive website designed for parents of middle school and high school students who are making decisions about academic plans, colleges, and careers.

Social Media

The following social media platforms are used to connect with parents and students:

Cable TV

FCPS produces award-winning programming that is used in schools and broadcast on three open cable TV channels: Channel 21, Channel 25 and Channel 99. Check out our Cable TV Guide to learn about what is happening.

Contacts

Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome. If your communication involves a specific student, the first step should be to reach out to someone at your child’s school, such as the teacher or principal. Other communications can be directed to regional offices or FCPS departments. Check out our contact page for a directory and information commonly needed through the year.

Family Liaisons

Family liaisons are available in most FCPS schools to help parents better understand the school system and advocate for their children’s education. Bilingual community liaisons are also available.

Parent Information Phone Lines

For parents who do not speak English as their first language, support is available through our parent information phone lines. Callers can leave a message and receive a return phone call within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

Family Resource Center

Free workshops, confidential consultations, and over 7,000 lending library materials available at the Family Resource Center help ensure that ALL students are inspired, engaged, and thriving.

Multilingual Family Podcast: Arabic, Korean, Spanish

The FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast offers timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Office for ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.

FCPS Communications in Many Languages

You may wish to read FCPS messages in a language other than English. Read more about the ways you can receive or view our communications in a different language.

SIS ParentVUE OverviewSIS enables a parent to access information about his/her child’s attendance, class performance, course materials and more.

FCPS Text Messaging for ParentsFor times when it is critical to notify FCPS parents as quickly as possible.

TalkingPointsLearn about the communication tool that is used in FCPS. Talking Points is a free district-wide communication app that allows families to easily connect with teachers and principals.

Parents and GuardiansParents have: more in-depth access to classroom activities (learning). a convenient way to message teachers with questions, and parent participation in groups like Parent Teacher Associations (PTA).

News You ChooseConnect with the FCPS through subscription-based, email communication, including newsletters, news updates, and more.

Naviance Student OverviewNaviance Student supports academic and career planning for middle and high school students.

Social Media in FCPSSee where to find FCPS on social media and access related resources.

Fairfax Network Featured ProgramsThe Fairfax Network offers a variety of outstanding, informative, and innovative video resources.

Family LiaisonsFamily liaisons serve as a link between families and schools.

Community LiaisonsBilingual community liaisons support families during the student registration process. They also help determine if parents have needs beyond registering their child for school.

Family Information Phone LinesFCPS offers telephone support to families who do not speak English as their first language.

Family Resource CenterThe Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center.

Multilingual Family Podcast: All EpisodesListen to the FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast in English, Español (Spanish), العربية(Arabic), or 한국어(Korean).

How to Receive FCPS Messages in Your Own LanguageJanuary 06, 2022You can choose one of several languages for your FCPS messages. Also, learn about translations.

Parents' Rights in Fairfax County Public Schools

Find out more.