“A movement starts because of the social habits of friendship and the strong ties between close acquaintances. It grows because of the habits of a community…And it endures because a movement’s leaders give participants new habits that create a fresh sense of identity and a feeling of ownership.” — Charles Duhigg, “The Power of Habit”

“The real challenges for education will only be met by empowering passionate and creative teachers and by firing up the imaginations and motivations of students.” — Ken Robinson, “The Element”

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes FCCPS so special. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words without sounding a little cliché. The easy answer is, of course, the people. And while that’s true, it doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s not just about the people—it’s about what happens when we all come together and move in the same direction toward something bigger than ourselves.

At FCCPS, there’s this shared commitment to greatness that you can feel everywhere. “Fine” just isn’t in our vocabulary. Fine is easy. But great? That takes hard work, creativity, and, above all, teamwork. What makes FCCPS different is that everyone—teachers, students, families, administrators—is working toward something extraordinary. We don’t settle, and that collective drive is what makes this place so unique.

You see it in the little things. Teachers rethink lessons to spark curiosity, counselors, and administrators strategize how to help one or two students who need extra support, or a simple phone call to ensure a family feels included and valued. It’s these moments, big and small, that show how deeply we care about every single person in this community.

None of this happens by accident. Greatness here is built through habits—habits that we’ve developed together. Whether it’s creating spaces where students can tackle big, messy projects or fostering conversations that push all of us to think deeper, FCCPS is about building a culture of excellence. These habits aren’t just for individuals—they’re for all of us, collectively. And that’s the key. We’re in this together.

At the heart of it all is this belief about shaping good people who go on to do great things in the world. We do this by fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration, and celebrating curiosity. You can see it in everything we do, from innovative lessons to students finding joy in discovering something new.

But if I had to name the final ingredient in our “secret sauce,” it would be this: connection. What really stays with us at the end of the day isn’t a perfect lesson plan or an amazing project. It’s the moments we share—the encouraging word when someone’s struggling, the quiet support of a listening ear, the little acts of kindness that ripple outward. Those are the moments that define us, and they’re why this work matters so deeply.

FCCPS is a place where we don’t just strive for excellence—we strive to create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. In doing that, we’re building something truly special, one habit, one connection, and one moment at a time. That’s the secret sauce, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.