Hi there, Fairfax! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: JCA Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo and 11 more events.
Today's riddle: What can go UP the chimney DOWN; but can't come down the chimney UP? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
1. FCPS Board Approves 2026-27 School Year Calendar (mountvernongazette.com) — Fairfax County Public Schools has approved a 2026-27 calendar that cuts student days off from 40 to 33 and restores Veterans Day as a full school day. After heated debate and parent testimony, the Fairfax County School Board also ordered more long-term calendar planning, aiming to balance instructional time, holidays, and staff needs for years ahead.
2. Cinder Bed Road Bikeway critics rally at opening of governmental center (ffxnow.com) — Fairfax County’s proposed $18 million Cinder Bed Road Bikeway is drawing organized pushback, with protesters using the Franconia Governmental Center opening to warn neighbors about costs and environmental impacts. Supporters, including the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, argue the route would offer safer, lower-stress access to the Franconia-Springfield Metro, with construction targeted to start in 2028.
3. FFXnow Daily Debrief for Apr 15, 2026 (ffxnow.com) — Fairfax County readers get a handy daily debrief with links to Wednesday’s local stories, a rundown of what’s happening around the county today, and a detailed Thursday weather forecast. It’s a quick way to catch up, plan your day, and see what neighbors are talking about.
4. Fairfax County Police Dept offering unique pre-training for police officer hopefuls (wjla.com) — Fairfax County Police are using a paid Pre-Academy Recruit Program to better prepare future officers before they enter the county’s criminal justice academy. Nearly 40 recruits are getting physical, mental, and professional guidance, with leaders emphasizing diversity and a strong showing of women in the current class to better reflect Fairfax’s varied communities.
5. These 4 tips are key for navigating new tech in schools (k12dive.com) — Fairfax County Public Schools’ IT project manager Amy Jackson is sharing how the district approaches rolling out new technology, emphasizing people-first planning, stakeholder input, and realistic training timelines. Speaking at a national ed-tech conference, she explains why rushed, top-down tech decisions often fail and how Fairfax’s structured proposal process helps avoid wasted time, money, and frustration for staff.
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Ok Fairfax! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: UMBRELLA (Thank you JEANNE S. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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