FCCPS HIGH SCHOOL RENAMING COMMITTEE FINAL REPORT

Submitted by: The FCCPS High School Renaming Committee Jamie Argento Rodriguez, Chair April 9, 2021 INTRODUCTION

The FCCPS High School Renaming Committee firmly holds that the renaming of the high school must be considered as a starting point along the necessary path for change in the City of Falls Church. If accomplished in isolation, changing the name of the high school is an empty gesture. As the School Board considers the names that the committee recommends in this report, we urge and request that the School Board, FCCPS, and the Fall Church City community build on the momentum forged by the renaming effort to create positive outcomes for the students, faculty, residents, and visitors for whom the school is built to serve. The high school name change, and the corresponding elementary school name change, present an opportunity to educate us about the history of Falls Church City, to shine a light on its African-American community and heritage, and to steer us on a course towards inclusion and equity. The committee respectfully submits this report in furtherance of these goals.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Committee membership The FCCPS High School Renaming Committee was selected by Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan in January 2021. The committee’s membership includes 26 members representing a diverse set of experiences. The committee consists of high school students, FCCPS faculty in multiple roles, FCCPS alumni, parents, and community members. The committee’s members are diverse in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other important factors that represent the broader Falls Church City community. In addition, members of the committee represent a diversity of perspectives on renaming the FCCPS schools, including members who originally supported and opposed the renaming. The names of the members are included below:*

Jamie Argento Rodriguez, Chair Bill Ackerman Komal Bazaz Smith Georgia Brown Katie Clinton Vikki Spencer Ehrlich Lisa M. Gross Eden Heard Allison Hyra

2 Jeff Jordan Kabir Kamboh Edwin Kim Tom Lubnow Andra Popa Kristen Ross Reid Sassman Elliott Smith Frank Spinello Will Stewart Marvin Wooten *Six student representatives (names are not included to protect students’ confidentiality)

Committee charge The committee was presented with the following charge from the School Board:

Committee Smart Goal: It is the committee’s charge to provide the School Board, by April 13, 2021, five (5) names in no order of rank for the elementary school and five (5) names in no rank order for the high school following the requirements of Policy FFA and Regulation FFA-R.

Further, it is encouraged that the committee consider names that go beyond just naming buildings after people and contemplate placemaking and other aspects of the community.

Lastly, it is advised that the committee seeks ways to gather public input to support their deliberative process, and those who are members of groups seek input from other members from those groups.

Convenings The committee convened six times via Zoom. The meetings were streamed live via the FCCPS YouTube Channel. The recordings of each meeting are available for public viewing. The schedule of meetings is below:

● Meeting #1: February 10, 2021, 7 - 9 pm ● Meeting #2: February 24, 2021, 7 - 9 pm ● Meeting #3: March 10, 2021, 7 - 9 pm ● Meeting #4: March 17, 2021, 7 - 9 pm ● Meeting #5: March 24, 2021, 7 - 9 pm ● Meeting #6: April 7, 2021, 7 - 9 pm

3 Public input. The committee, in conjunction with the FCCPS Elementary School Renaming Committee, promoted a virtual “FCCPS Naming Suggestion Box” to gain input from the public. The “FCCPS Naming Suggestion Box” was shared widely and through multiple outreach efforts, including FCCPS Morning Announcements, principals’ newsletters, PTA newsletters, social media platforms, NextDoor, Falls Church City communications, and the alumni Facebook page and website. Through the “FCCPS Naming Suggestion Box,” the committee received 617 suggestions for the new high school name. Of those suggestions received, 274 were unique suggestions. (Many names repeated.)

In addition to the “FCCPS Naming Suggestion Box,” the committee members were encouraged to communicate with their affinity groups and other civic and private organizations in which they participate. Members reported back to the committee about the feedback they received during those communications, which included reactions to potential names under consideration of the committee.

Categorization of suggested names. The committee spent time during its early meetings developing the categories of names. The committee created a two-tiered process as described below.

Categories

Person/ Person/ Places Ideas/ Other Low Priority Ineligible People People values/ because of deceased Recently concept Duplicate names School Board more than 10 deceased of nearby guidelines years schools (DMV radius) Living people Joke responses Animal names Existing names

Secondary Factors

● M names ● Local area connections ● Keep those that aren’t absolutely similar but leave open to discussion (Thurgood Marshall, Falls Church City) ● Historical significance

4 Following clarification from the FCCPS attorney, names of people who are recently deceased (less than ten years), were moved to the “Ineligible because of School Board guidelines” category.

Preparation of names. As the process for preparing the names rapidly evolved, the committee added a meeting to concentrate on narrowing the field of names originally submitted by the public and by members of the committee. During Meeting #3, the committee narrowed the list of more than 274 names to a list of 47 names across the categories and factors identified by the committee. During Meeting #4, the committee further narrowed the list to 18 names. These names were presented to the School Board at its work session on March 23, 2021.

After lengthy and in-depth small and large group discussions regarding the emerging names during Meeting #5, the committee determined that it would be helpful to determine the depth of support for the 18 names shared with the School Board on March 23, 2021. Using a Google Form generated with the assistance of FCCPS staff, the committee members were able to submit their support for up to 5 names. Through that process the committee was able to identify five names that generated significant support from members. Names beyond the five submitted to the School Board received support from some members of the committee as well. Summaries including the justifications for the final five names and the names that were not included in the final list are provided below. The names are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked.

NAMES SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL BOARD IN CONSIDERATION OF RENAMING THE FCCPS HIGH SCHOOL

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: Small town school, global name. A meridian is a feature of the globe, and we aim to teach students to be global citizens. Our student body is a mix of 'lifers' of our little city and students who contribute their experiences from living in other places around the world. We promote students' instincts to explore the world and their opportunities in our global community. We pride ourselves on our implementation of the International Baccalaureate program and our earned status as an IB World School.

5 In addition, this name has local significance. Falls Church City sits on the historical corner of our nation's capital, with the boundary stone found in a park on Meridian Street. The boundary stones, or “markers,” are all 10 miles apart, delineating the original boundaries of Washington, D.C., surveyed in 1791 by 2 men, Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker, a free African-American man from Washington, D.C. The westernmost point of the diamond is marked on the map as "West Falls Church," which exists today on Meridian Street. Meridian Street got its name because it follows the line of that diamond, marking the original line between & D.C., which is now the line between Falls Church City and Arlington.

According to the map attached the location of the White House is essentially at the center of the original diamond. The area that is now Arlington was retroceded back to Virginia in 1847. More information can be found in this article about the DC Boundary Stones: https://www.arlnow.com/2013/09/19/d-c-boundary-stones-a-silent-part-of-arlington-histor y/

Meridian also begins with the letter “M.”

Concerns/Opposition: There is some concern that people will not understand why “Meridian” relates to Falls Church City. It will take time for students, faculty, and community members to adjust while people explain and learn about the meaning of the name. Also, Andrew Ellicott Park, where the marker is located, has an Arlington address, as the street is named Arizona Street in Arlington and Meridian Street in Falls Church City. Further, there was some concern that it may remind people of the hotel, “Le Meridien” and the Meridian condominium complexes located in Arlington, VA.

6 METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: From Metropolis (/mɪˈtrɒpəlɪs/) - a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications.

● Recognizes our geography as part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area which clearly matches the definition above – and includes the local geo-political history that the western cornerstone of the original boundary of the District of Columbia and the southwest face of that diamond shape defines the border between the City of Falls Church and Arlington County.

● Capitalizes on the various derivatives of the word metropolitan in use including: ○ Metro – the high school sits next to the West Falls Church Metro Station – a major and modern transportation hub (which is both public and mass transit which have overlays with equity/access/and greener transport). ○ “The Met” (possible use for the fine arts spaces and groups in the new facility).

● Is an “M” name and plays to the “M” which remains in the logo/mascot. The name could be shortened to “Metro” for school equipment, athletic jerseys, etc.

Concerns/Opposition: There is concern that “Metropolitan” is a generic name and not specific to Falls Church City. In addition, while Falls Church City is a city, it is in fact a tiny city. This name may be viewed as contradicting the branding of Falls Church City as “The Little City.”

METRO VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: A derivative of the above which includes a specific physical aspect of the new school building: due to its placement and the height of the building – the views of a significant part of our metro area are really stunning. This name emerged as people began to visit the new high school and observed the majestic views from its new perch in the skyline. An anecdote – for years – many in the area would enjoy the Falls Church 4th of July fireworks display from the top of the West Falls Church Metro Station parking structure because, as a bonus, you were able to also view the displays from surrounding Virginia and Maryland municipalities on the horizon at the same time. The upper floors of the new school enjoy the same vistas. This is an “M” name. The name

7 could be shortened to “Metro” for school equipment, athletic jerseys, etc. Potential spellings include: Metro View (preferred), MetroView, and Metroview.

Concerns/Opposition: As mentioned above, and according to some feedback received by the committee, this name may be considered generic. This name may be limiting, as it could be interpreted as focusing on the physical structure and location rather than the values or aspirations that the school aims to achieve. In addition, there is concern that the name focuses on the school’s view of the West Falls Church Metro station versus the sprawling metropolitan area.

NOTE: The committee urges that the School Board ensure that the name “Metro” is not branded or copyrighted.

TINNER HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: Tinner Hill has been recognized as being the location where the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was initiated in the United States. This name connects with our local history, in particular civil rights history. Tinner Hill is a very historic, important part of Falls Church City, especially for the African American community, which is important as the community moves towards a more cohesive, inclusive existence. Tinner Hill is a locally-renowned site in Falls Church City that has withstood the test of time through many civic and political movements; it is an icon for civil rights. The Tinner and Henderson families were instrumental in shaping the Falls Church City we know today, including their efforts to desegregate our schools. They represent the type of forward-thinking civic involvement we hope our students will emulate. Tinner Hill High School will combine city history and diversity. Sitting on the shared campus with Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, the high school will stand as a beacon for the City’s commitment to recognizing its harmful past by abolishing segregation and promoting an inclusive and welcoming community.

The committee communicated with members of the Tinner Family who support the name for consideration by the School Board. The Tinner Family expressed their gratitude and said that it is an honor that the Falls Church City community suggested the name of their family and their historic community represent the FCCPS high school. The Tinner Family is aware that there is no guarantee that this name will be selected by the School Board as the eventual name of the high school.

Concerns/Opposition: This is the only name of a person or people that is submitted on the list of the final five names for consideration by the School Board. The committee is

8 aware that naming a school after a person or people could lead to controversy now or in the future. In addition, the committee raised concerns that selecting this name may be performative if not coupled with earnest work towards building equity in our schools and our community. Given the historical mistreatment of the Tinner Hill community, it is imperative that this name be considered as one part of a plan that will emphasize the value and respect due to the city’s African-American residents.

NOTE: In the process of communicating with the Tinner family, the committee learned that the Tinner Hill homes that fall within the boundaries of Falls Church City are zoned for commercial use. The Tinner Hill homes that fall within the boundaries of Fairfax County are zoned for residential use. The committee urges the Falls Church City School Board and City Council to remove these vestiges of the Jim Crow era to ensure that the Falls Church City residents of Tinner Hill are afforded the same rights, privileges, and economic benefits as other residents of Falls Church City.

WEST END HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: West End is a modern twist to signify Falls Church City’s location and proximity to other Northern Virginia areas that share the “Falls Church” name. In addition, West End signifies the physical location of the FCCPS high school in the City of Falls Church. The high school sits at the most western point of Falls Church City and is adjacent to the West Falls Church Metro Station. It further emphasizes that Falls Church City acquired the land from Fairfax County in a boundary adjustment so that it could establish the high school and middle school in that location. It focuses on the FCCPS high school as a landmark of Falls Church City. A potential variation of this name is West Falls High School.

Concerns/Opposition: The name may not be clearly understood to people outside of Falls Church City. Parts of Falls Church that are in Fairfax County (e.g., points heading west on Route 7 towards Tysons Corner) are farther west of the City of Falls Church. However, the name of the high school that is located slightly west of the FCCPS high school on Route 7 (George C. Marshall High School), does not appear to pose a conflict with the West End name. However, “West End” is the name of two locations in the greater metropolitan area, including a neighborhood in Washington, D.C. and a precinct in Alexandria, VA. Because these two areas are commonly associated with the “West End” name, this name could cause confusion about where the high school is located.

9 NAMES WITH SUPPORT THAT WERE NOT SELECTED FOR FINAL LIST

CITY OF FALLS CHURCH/FALLS CHURCH CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Justification: For many members of the community and several members of the committee, a name incorporating City of Falls Church or Falls Church City is the most logical option. There is a firm tradition of naming schools, particularly high schools, after the name of the locality in which the schools are located. The community takes pride in being associated with the City of Falls Church/Falls Church City. This community spirit is evidenced by the recent campaign organized by Falls Church City community members during the pandemic to raise money for local businesses. The apparel, including the mottos, “WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER” and “WE ARE THE LITTLE CITY,” generated excellent sales in support of businesses in need of assistance during the economic hardships caused by COVID-19. Further, incorporating the name of the City is a logical extension of the school system’s official name, Falls Church City Public Schools, as well as the Falls Church Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports all of the FCCPS schools.

Concerns/Opposition: Members of the Fairfax County Public Schools community contacted the committee and the Falls Church News Press to express their outrage that FCCPS may name the high school to include “Falls Church.” In recognition of this history, and in consideration of International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasis on education in a global context, the committee understands that the FCCPS high school does not exist in isolation. The high school and our community sit in proximity to our neighbors in Fairfax County and respect the history of Falls Church High School, including members of the Tinner Family who graduated from it. In addition, naming the school to include “Falls Church” is likely to lead to confusion as there would be two high schools with nearly identical or significantly similar names within six miles of each other.

10 NOTE: The committee engaged in robust discussions about these proposed names at multiple meetings. Committee members presented strong arguments for and against including names with “Falls Church” in the final set of recommendations. The committee acknowledges the thoughtful considerations of both perspectives.

EMERGING NAMES THAT WERE NOT SELECTED FOR FINAL LIST

● Broad Street High School ● Cornerstone High School ● Four Mile Run High School ● Greater Metropolitan High School or Greater Metro High School ● The Little City High School ● Little Falls High School ● Mary Ellen Henderson Secondary Campus, Mary Ellen Henderson Heritage Schools, Mary Ellen Henderson MS/HS, Mary Ellen Henderson Secondary School ● Barbara Rose Johns High School ● Memorial High School ● Monument High School ● Mustang High School

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The committee learned that some community members and parents of students who are currently attending the high school are concerned that changing the name of the high school could negatively impact students who are taking the SAT/ACT and applying to colleges and universities. Dr. Noonan explained that the current year transcripts and the diplomas for the graduating Class of 2021 include the high school name as “ High School.” Additionally, FCCPS has agreed to, for at least one year, include the language of “former George Mason High School” on official documents. Dr. Noonan further explained that FCCPS understands the concerns and they are actively working with their college admissions specialists throughout the country to ensure that they understand the school name change.

CONCLUSION

11 The committee thanks the School Board, Dr. Peter Noonan, Marybeth Connelly, John Brett, Marty Gadell, and the entire FCCPS community for their assistance and support throughout this process. In addition, the chair would like to recognize each of the members of the committee who dedicated hours of personal time to ensure that the process is inclusive, thoughtful, and thorough. The chair recognizes the FCCPS Elementary School Renaming Committee and its chair, Sherry Eckert Witt, for their simultaneous commitment to propose names for the elementary school. Finally, the chair recognizes our neighbors and friends in the City of Falls Church. In the midst of a global pandemic, the Falls Church City Community rose to the challenge of proposing names for the new high school that represent the values, ideals, history, culture, and aspirations of the students, school personnel, families, business partners, community members, and visitors who we welcome to live, learn, work, and play in our little city. This is a unique and timely opportunity for the community to come together to take ownership of the new high school name and to establish new traditions that will capitalize on the growing momentum towards positive change.

The committee implores the School Board to select a name for the high school that embodies the spirit of advancement that FCCPS aspires to achieve and to begin the more challenging work of creating lasting change for the generations to come. The committee is available to answer questions about the report, the process of preparing the names, and the final recommendations.

12 EXAMPLES OF HIGH SCHOOL LOGO WITH PROPOSED NAMES

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