The Falls Church City Public Schools Business in Education (BIE) Partnership announces the recognition of seven Community Partners. These businesses made significant contributions to FCCPS school programs through partnerships with teachers, students, staff members, parent-teacher associations, athletic, choral and band booster associations and the Falls Church Education Foundation.

School partnerships rely on individuals and organizations sharing their expertise with the schools in numerous ways. This year’s honorees are shining examples of how that shared expertise is beneficial to the schools and the entire community.

FCCPS is grateful for their generosity and ongoing commitment.

Ascension Chiropractic is located in the City of Falls Church and owned by Dr. Chantay Bess. Dr. Bess hosted several student interns from the Human Anatomy class at Meridian High School. The students were able to gain real world experience in the medical field as they shadowed Dr. Bess. She also shared her education and career path experience with students during the Black History Month panel discussion and was featured in the FCCPS Morning Announcements during Women’s History Month.

The Gaskins Team is a full-service real estate company led by Will Gaskins, a City of Falls Church resident and parent of 5 children who attend Falls Church City Public Schools.  The Gaskins Team has been an ardent supporter of the Falls Church Education Foundation, sponsoring the Annual Run for the Schools, Home and Garden Tour, Little City Scramble Golf Tournament and the Gala and Auction. Members of his team have also shared their experience and insight to students as part of the Meridian High School Career Fair.  

The State Theatre is a City of Falls Church institution and well-regarded throughout Northern Virginia as a music and event venue.  The Theatre supported the Falls Church City Public Schools Parent Teacher Associations by sponsoring several football-themed catering fundraisers.  The Theatre also served as the joint venue for the 2021 Meridian High School All Night Graduation party, which was held jointly with Clare & Don’s Beach Shack in their outdoor event space.

Brown’s Hardware Store donated vegetable and flower seeds, along with soil to Mount Daniel Elementary School for a garden project.  Students were able to get their hands dirty while planting and experience watching their seeds take root and sprout during the spring months.  Brown’s also donated paint and supplies to Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School for the Art Department.  These supplies were used by students to create a wall mural in the hallway that connects with the new Meridian High School. This artwork will be permanently displayed in this space.

The Chipotle Mexican Grill in Broadale Village in Falls Church has hosted numerous fundraisers for school affiliated organizations within the Falls Church City Public Schools including:  Meridian High School All Night Graduation Party, GIVE Day Club, Falls Church Band Boosters, Junior Prom, the Lasso Newspaper and the Meridian High School freshman class.  The proceeds from these events have been greatly appreciated by these organizations and have helped boost their ability to be successful.

Nothing Bundt Cakes supported the Falls Church Education Foundation by sponsoring the annual Run for the Schools and the Home and Garden Tour.  They also donated dozens of their delicious mini bundt cakes for the 2021 All Night Graduation Party. The owner, Katie Lewis, is a Meridian parent and we know there are many more sweet treats to come!

Welcoming Falls Church is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization with the goal of providing hospitality and inclusion opportunities for immigrants and fosters building a community of neighbors.  Welcoming Falls Church has partnered with the Falls Church City Public Schools and the Falls Church Education Foundation to teach adult English classes to parents, host cultural events and activities on school holidays, and provide community service opportunities for Meridian High School students.  Welcoming Falls Church also invited authors Imbolo Mbue of 'Behold the Dreamers' and Alan Gratz of 'Refugee' to speak to students about their books and experiences.

These honorees join a distinguished list of partners who have been recognized since 2009.