
School counselors are the heart of our schools, providing guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support to students and families. Their dedication helps shape futures, build confidence, and ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. In celebration of School Counselor Week, let's show appreciation to Ms. Holly Botkin.
As a proud FCPS parent, she is grateful for the guidance and support her children received throughout their education. Her oldest daughter will earn her nursing degree in May, her middle daughter recently graduated from Officer Candidate School at Quantico and will commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the Marine Corps upon graduating from Virginia Tech, and her son is thriving in his second year at UVA all thanks in part to the amazing educators and counselors who helped along the way.
Outside of work, she enjoys watching college football and basketball, staying active at the gym, and spending time outdoors. A heartfelt thank you to all the counselors and staff who make a difference every day!
Take a moment this week to show your appreciation, send a thank-you note, share a kind word, or simply let them know how much they are valued! #Counselor #Appreciation


February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements, history, and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation and inspired future generations. #BlackHistoryMonth


📰Fredericksburg Students Recognized for Youth Mental Health Advocacy at Virginia General Assembly📰
🔗https://www.potomaclocal.com/2025/02/03/fredericksburg-students-recognized-for-youth-mental-health-advocacy-at-virginia-general-assembly/



We welcome you to join the Cook Center in their mental health series this month. They are hosting several sessions tailored towards guardians to educate, inform, and empower families to navigate their children’s ups and downs. A range of topics will be covered, from anxiety to protecting your child on social media. A special session on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, is titled Understanding Eating Disorders. If you wish to attend any of these free, virtual sessions, click the link below to register.
https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex/




🚀 We're Ready for Kindergarten Take-Off🚀
If you have a child entering Kindergarten next year or know someone who does, it's time to get ready for take-off! Registration for Kindergarten and Kindercamp at Fredericksburg City Public Schools is open. 🏫
🔑 What to bring:
‣Original Birth Certificate or Passport
‣Parent/Guardian Photo ID
‣Proof of City Residency (e.g., utility bill or lease)
‣Immunization Record & School Entrance Physical Exam
‣Completed Registration Forms (available online)
🌟 Attend any registration event, no matter your school zone!
📞 Need help or more info?
🔗https://www.fxbgschools.us/page/new-student-registration
Contact FCPS Registrar, Camm Taylor 📧 ataylor@cityschools.com 📱 540-940-8380
Don’t miss the chance to get your child ready for an exciting school year!
🎒✏️ #FCPS #KindergartenRegistration #ReadyForKindergarten #FCPS2024
Share this post; tag your friends; and spread the word!


🚀 Ready for Kindergarten? Kindergarten Registration takes off this evening at Lafayette Elementary School!🚀
If you have a child entering Kindergarten next year or know someone who does, it's time to get ready for take-off! Registration for Kindergarten and Kindercamp at Fredericksburg City Public Schools starts this evening. 🏫
🔑 What to bring:
‣Original Birth Certificate or Passport
‣Parent/Guardian Photo ID
‣Proof of City Residency (e.g., utility bill or lease)
‣Immunization Record & School Entrance Physical Exam
‣Completed Registration Forms (available online)
🌟 Attend any registration event, no matter your school zone!
📞 Need help or more info?
🔗https://www.fxbgschools.us/page/new-student-registration
Contact FCPS Registrar, Camm Taylor 📧 ataylor@cityschools.com 📱 540-940-8380
Don’t miss the chance to get your child ready for an exciting school year!
🎒✏️ #FCPS #KindergartenRegistration #ReadyForKindergarten #FCPS2024
Share this post; tag your friends; and spread the word!


Congratulations to Nicole Stephanie Lopez, the Optimist Student of the Month for January!
Nicole, a senior at James Monroe High School, is an exceptional leader and a shining example of dedication, talent, and service. She is Vice-President of DECA, Treasurer of Key Club, Flag Captain for Color Guard, and an active member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and French Honor Society. Nicole also shines on stage as an actress in JM’s theater productions.
Her achievements include multiple DECA awards, such as 2nd place at districts for Entrepreneurship and Selling, and 2nd place at states for Selling. Beyond her academics, Nicole gives back through volunteer work with organizations like Camp Wildwood, Friends of the Rappahannock, and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
With plans to study Business Administration and Marketing at a four-year university, Nicole’s future is as bright as her accomplishments.
Let’s celebrate Nicole and her incredible journey!
#OptimistStudentOfTheMonth #StudentLeader #JM #DECA #KeyClub #Business #Marketing



Join us today on TEAMS at 5:00 PM for our Special Education Advisory Meeting.
🔗https://fxbg.link/SpecialEducationAdvisoryMeeting


The deadline is almost here! 2025 Writing Contest: Innovating Smarter
This contest is sponsored by the National Academy of Engineering and the theme this year is Innovating Smarter. Students will write a piece describing a common object they would make “smart” and explain what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong. The contest is open to all students, of any gender, in grades 3-12 and the deadline is February 1. See more information on the EngineerGirl website.
👉https://www.engineergirl.org/154382/2025-Writing-Contest-Innovating-Smarter


The Spanish Club kicked off the New Year in style with a club dinner! Students dove into the spirit of Epiphany, a cherished Latin American and Hispanic holiday, by decorating crowns, building their own snowmen, and picking out special presents. Such a fun way to celebrate culture and community! #NewYearVibes #EpiphanyCelebration #ClubLife


Happy National Handwriting Day! Today we’re celebrating the OG way of expressing ourselves through good old-fashioned pen and paper.
Check out these awesome photos from the Writing Center, where our students are showing off their handwriting skills while doing food reviews! Whether it's cursive, print, or something uniquely you, your handwriting tells your story.
Tell us: Do you think handwriting will ever go out of style?
#NationalHandwritingDay #WriteYourStory #Students #Style #Handwriting







Fredericksburg City Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, January 23.
Employees should report two hours late.
With expected dangerously low temperatures, please dress in warm clothing when outdoors and traveling.


Exciting news, Yellow Jackets!
The NEW James Monroe High School Course Catalog is now available! Explore all the amazing opportunities waiting for you next school year, from advanced academics to creative electives and everything in between.
View the catalog using the link in the comments or by visiting JM's page.
#JMHS #YellowJacketPride #NewCourses #AcademicExcellence


We loved seeing students dive into the Electives Fair during their lunch waves last week. It was an awesome chance to check out all the amazing CTE, music, art, and language courses we offer. Don’t forget—course registration for the 2025-2026 school year kicks off this week! #ElectivesFair #CTE #Music #Art #Languages #FutureReady











🎉 Countdown to the Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Fair! 🎉
We’re just a few months away from an event dedicated to helping you prioritize your well-being and safety! 🧘♀️📓
Here’s what you can look forward to:
✨ Breakout Sessions Highlight: Journaling – Discover how to express your thoughts and manage stress through writing.
✨ Breakout Sessions Highlight: Yoga – Relax and rejuvenate with a session designed to enhance both your mental and physical health.
✨ Safety Topics – Gain practical tips to stay safe and secure in all aspects of life.
Mark your calendars for May 10th and get ready for a day of learning, self-care, and connection. Stay tuned for more updates—and don’t forget to register today! 💙
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/wsHR6qud09


Reminder: There is no school for students on Monday, January 20, 2025.


🎉 Countdown to the Mental Health, Wellness & Safety Fair! 🎉
We’re just a few months away from an event dedicated to helping you prioritize your well-being and safety! 🧘♀️📓
Here’s what you can look forward to:
✨ Breakout Sessions Highlight: Journaling – Discover how to express your thoughts and manage stress through writing.
✨ Breakout Sessions Highlight: Yoga – Relax and rejuvenate with a session designed to enhance both your mental and physical health.
✨ Safety Topics – Gain practical tips to stay safe and secure in all aspects of life.
Mark your calendars for May 10th and get ready for a day of learning, self-care, and connection. Stay tuned for more updates—and don’t forget to register today! 💙
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/wsHR6qud09


🌟 Meet Ms. Massey, Our Amazing School Social Worker and Mental Health Taskforce Co-Chair! 🌟
Ms. Massey says she chose social work because, “I knew I wanted to help people, and social work allows me to support not just individuals, but their entire network. My passion for school social work comes from working directly with students — it’s truly my favorite part of the job!” 💙
She believes mental health is critical, especially in schools. Our students deserve to feel safe both mentally and physically every single day. When they feel supported, they can thrive and truly enjoy their time as students. 🧠💪
Fun Fact: Ms. Massey is a huge fan of college basketball, especially the Virginia Cavaliers! 🏀


🌟 Happy Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week! 🌟
This week, we celebrate the outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment of the principals who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Thank you for creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can thrive.
To our incredible principals in Fredericksburg City Public Schools, we are so grateful for all you do to lead, support, and guide our school communities. Your passion for education and unwavering dedication to our students is truly appreciated. 🙌🎓
#VAPrincipalsAppreciationWeek #ThankYouPrincipals #FredericksburgCityPublicSchools #LeadingWithHeart
