
Last week, our amazing staff proved once again why they’re the most fun (and flavorful!) crew around at the Chili Cook-Off! With 9 delicious entries, including three vegetarian chilis, the competition was fierce, but the camaraderie was even better!
Of course, no great cook-off is complete without winners! After all the votes were counted, the results were in:
🥇 1st Place: Tracey Greene
🥈 2nd Place: Audrey Rackley-Rio
🥉 3rd Place: Lanita Oliver
Can’t wait for next year! #OurStaffIsTheBest #ChiliCookOff #FunAtWork #Chili #Congrats




JOIN US!! Career & Technical Education Night of Pathways to Success
Students and families are invited to join us for two exciting evenings to explore a wide range of community partners, participate in engaging hands-on demonstrations, and gain valuable insights into the educational pathways for the 2025-2026 school year.
✏️For rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students, please see the details below for your Night of Pathways:
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Walker-Grant Middle School
✏️For rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students, your Night of Pathways details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: James Monroe High School
Click the link below or the link in our bio to sign up.
https://fxbg.link/CTEnightofpathways
Night of Pathways is committed to providing students, parents, and the community with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available through our pathway program.
• We'll showcase hands-on demonstrations, provide informative brochures and instructor-led engagement
• We aim to inspire student success, foster collaboration, and equip all attendees with the resources and connections needed to thrive in their educational and career journeys.
• We provide tangible involvement opportunities for various levels of student ability.
• We support pathways to success for all students who choose Career and Technical Education (CTE)
If you want to become a community partner for this event, please email dclaytonfulcher@cityschools.com.


🧡 February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 🧡
Together, we can raise awareness and support the fight against teen dating violence. This month, let’s stand united to create safe and healthy relationships for everyone.
👉 Wear Orange on February 11 to show your support and help raise awareness. Let's spark conversations, break the silence, and support those affected by dating violence.
🧡 Orange symbolizes a brighter future, one free from violence. We are stronger when we stand together.
If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, help is available. Here are some resources for support:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org/
📱 Loveisrespect (For teens and young adults)
Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
🏠 Empowerhouse (Fredericksburg, VA)
24/7 Hotline: 540-373-9373
https://www.empowerhouseva.org/


📰Youth Mental Health Task Force schools legislators on issues facing students📰
👉https://www.fredericksburgfreepress.com/2025/02/07/youth-mental-health-task-force-schools-legislators-on-issues-facing-students/


Celebrating School Counselor Sharon Johnson for National School Counseling Week!
With over 30 years of dedication to FCPS, Sharon Johnson has made a lasting impact on both elementary and high school students as a teacher and school counselor at HMES, LUES, and JMHS. She has built meaningful connections with students and families, cherishing the opportunity to see them grow and reconnect in the community after graduation.
Outside of her role, Sharon enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching sports, and traveling and she's looking forward to more of all of them soon!
Thank you, Mrs. Johnson, for your commitment, compassion, and the difference you make in the lives of so many! #CounselingWeek #ThankYou #Counselors #FCPS


🧡 February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 🧡
Together, we can raise awareness and support the fight against teen dating violence. This month, let’s stand united to create safe and healthy relationships for everyone.
👉 Wear Orange on February 11 to show your support and help raise awareness. Let's spark conversations, break the silence, and support those affected by dating violence.
🧡 Orange symbolizes a brighter future, one free from violence. We are stronger when we stand together.
If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, help is available. Here are some resources for support:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org/
📱 Loveisrespect (For teens and young adults)
Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
🏠 Empowerhouse (Fredericksburg, VA)
24/7 Hotline: 540-373-9373
https://www.empowerhouseva.org/


JOIN US!! Career & Technical Education Night of Pathways to Success
Students and families are invited to join us for two exciting evenings to explore a wide range of community partners, participate in engaging hands-on demonstrations, and gain valuable insights into the educational pathways for the 2025-2026 school year.
✏️For rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students, please see the details below for your Night of Pathways:
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Walker-Grant Middle School
✏️For rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students, your Night of Pathways details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: James Monroe High School
Click the link below or the link in our bio to sign up.
https://fxbg.link/CTEnightofpathways
Night of Pathways is committed to providing students, parents, and the community with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available through our pathway program.
• We'll showcase hands-on demonstrations, provide informative brochures and instructor-led engagement
• We aim to inspire student success, foster collaboration, and equip all attendees with the resources and connections needed to thrive in their educational and career journeys.
• We provide tangible involvement opportunities for various levels of student ability.
• We support pathways to success for all students who choose Career and Technical Education (CTE)
If you want to become a community partner for this event, please email dclaytonfulcher@cityschools.com.


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!


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


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



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
