Make your voice heard!

Writing to local publications is an important and effective way to elevate issues and influence discussions concerning Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Sometimes publications don’t know about an issue. Or maybe you want to get your letter published. Even if your letter isn’t published, the publication now is aware of an issue important to the FCPS Community.

Below is a list of publications covering Fairfax County, along with some tips on making your letter more effective and more likely to be published.

Topics to consider:

  • The Spring 2020 distance learning problems

  • The school reopening debate

  • Budget concerns

  • Declining academic performance

  • Refocusing on academic achievement instead of political issues

  • Increase in the high school drop out rate

  • One Fairfax

  • Redistricting/forced busing

  • Removing merit from the application process for Thomas Jefferson

  • Status of the Distance Learning Audit

Things to keep in mind when writing to a publication:

  • Keep your letter to one or two key points.

  • Keep the letters short - between 200 and 250 words (300 max)

  • Don't send the same letter to multiple publications at the same time. If your letter isn't published in a week, try another publication.

  • Be polite and avoid overly partisan commentary and inflammatory language

  • mention the main reason you are writing as early as possible in your letter

  • if sending via email, include your full name, home and/or business telephone number and address

  • proofread for typos and grammar

  • Facts are less persuasive than emotional stories. Paint a picture in the reader's mind rather than overly relying on stats.P