Home Care In Fairfax, VA

Checkers & Rally’s is circling Fairfax County, searching for a spot that one of its drive-thru restaurants can pull into.

No specific locations have been identified yet, but the fast-food chain is actively recruiting franchisees who could introduce it to the county, according to a public relations representative, citing Springfield specifically as one possible area of interest.

“Fairfax County presents an ideal market for Checkers & Rally’s expansion due to its strong economy, diverse population, and supportive business environment,” Checkers & Rally’s Senior Director of Franchise Development Robert Bhagwandat said in a statement. “We’re seeing increased interest from emerging franchise candidates, particularly younger entrepreneurs drawn to our model and ongoing innovation.”

Bhagwandat added that, in addition to seeking new candidates, the company could turn to existing franchise owners to set up new locations in Fairfax County, as it looks to expand both in Virginia — a Richmond location is also being contemplated — and nationwide.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Checkers & Rally’s emerged in 1999 as a merger of two similarly retro, racing-themed fast-food chains. Rally’s got a head start with its first location opening in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1985, but Checkers was established a year later, launching in Mobile, Alabama, according to Mashed.

Since the merger, the company has changed hands and the design of its restaurants a few times, most recently shifting from the private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners to a group of lenders led by Arbour Lane Capital Management, Garnett Station Partners and Guggenheim Investments to avoid a bankruptcy filing in 2023.

In the wake of the ownership change, company leaders shared plans to continue expanding, aiming for another 62 locations by the end of 2024, while also updating the look of many of the 830-plus existing restaurants.

Still known as simply Checkers or Rally’s, depending on the state, the company has more recently announced expansions in New Jersey and Massachusetts, among other locations. There are currently 15 Checkers restaurants in Virginia, though in the northern region, it can only be found in Manassas.

“As the brand continues to grow nationally, Northern Virginia stands out as a region where forward-thinking franchisees can thrive with the support and resources we offer,” Bhagwandat said.

Checkers and Rally’s refresh under its current ownership also includes the rollout of a new design prototype with just 570 square feet of space and one drive-thru lane, as opposed to the standard 1,008-square-foot, double drive-thru model. The smaller space allows “for increased efficiency and adaptability,” the PR representative said.

The restaurant serves burgers, chicken wings, hot dogs, chicken, fish sandwiches and fries, with drink options including soda, milkshakes and slushies.

Screenshot via Google Maps

A new Fairfax City bakery and cafe is already seeing long lines waiting for its fresh, handcrafted desserts.

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — About 70 people stood in line around noon on Thursday, waiting for the next batch of pastries to be added to the glass case at the new bakery in the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center in Fairfax City.

Opening to little fanfare last week in the former McDonald's building next to the library, Layered Bakery has already gained a sizable following for its handcrafted desserts thanks to social media.

"A lot of people are posting on Instagram, and that's how it became famous," said assistant manager Chowdary said on Thursday. "It's become wild. There are a lot of desserts that are more like a New York or LA-based desserts. They're fruit-shaped, which you don't see really at any cafe around here."

Anyone wishing to try one of Layered's desserts should anticipate standing in line and adhering to the bakery's strict schedule. The display case is restocked with about 250-300 desserts at 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., and each customer is limited to just two desserts.

"It's going to be sold out in an hour," Chowdary said.

Layered is located at 3924 Blenheim Blvd. in Fairfax City. Hours are currently 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, but may switch to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the future, according to Chowdary.

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Launched as a brunch and café concept by the owners of Chateau de Chantilly, Layered offers freshly baked desserts, cakes, and artisan sandwiches, all of which are designed by a Michelin-trained chef.

"The way we make drinks is completely different from the way the other cafes make them, and the desserts are really good," Chowdary said. "You cannot find these kind of desserts nearby or in Virginia."

Layered is a collaborative effort between business owners Combined Properties and Fairfax City EDA, using the city’s Façade and Interior Improvement Grant program. This is the same program that the owners of DTL Sports Center used in 2024 to open their indoor pickleball facility in the same shopping center.

“Our vision is for this to be a place where people come together — whether for a casual coffee catch-up, a family treat, or simply to enjoy something special," Layered co-owner Choi said in June. "We hope to become Fairfax City’s go-to spot for great coffee and desserts.”

If Thursday's turnout was any indication, Layered is well on its way to fulfilling Choi's hope.

"His kindness creates a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and supported."

Fairfax, Virginia — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Fairfax is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Allison Eisensmith, who nominated Kevin Moran of Fairfax High School.

What is the school hero’s name?

Kevin Moran

Where does this school hero work?

Fairfax High School

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Kevin Moran joined our team last year as a PHTA and continually goes above and beyond. He knows our students needs, is flexible and creative, and is the definition of a team player. His sense of humor and awesome taste in music brighten the school day.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

He is a PHTA in my special education program.

What should your community know about this person?

It is my pleasure to nominate Kevin Moran for recognition. As a PHTA in our special education program, he demonstrates daily the qualities of an outstanding educator and colleague. Kevin consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. He approaches every challenge with creativity and flexibility, ensuring that each child receives support tailored to their unique strengths and needs. His problem-solving skills and deep knowledge of our program allow him to anticipate issues and develop effective solutions, often before others recognize them. Beyond his professional expertise, he brings warmth and humor to his work. His kindness creates a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and supported. His sense of humor not only connects him to students but also brightens the day for staff members around him. He embodies the best of what it means to be a dedicated educator—reliable, resourceful, and compassionate. Our students thrive because of his efforts, and our program is stronger thanks to his contributions. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Kind, Creative, Team Player

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Five Northern Virginia school divisions that refused to change their gender policies over the use of bathrooms and locker rooms have been placed on “high-risk status” by the U.S. Department of Education and will have their federal reimbursement requests scrutinized.

In a news release, the federal agency said the school districts will be placed on “reimbursement status” for funding, including formula funding, discretionary grants and impact aid grants. Schools in Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties and the City of Alexandria will have to pay up front and then request reimbursement, the department said.

The announcement comes days after the districts all announced they wouldn’t make changes to their policies for intimate facilities, such as restrooms and locker rooms. The Education Department requested they do so, saying policies that allow students to use bathrooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex violated Title IX.

The divisions, however, said their current practices are in compliance with the law.

“The Northern Virginia School Divisions that are choosing to abide by woke gender ideology in place of federal law must now prove they are using every single federal dollar for a legal purpose,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in the release.

Prince William County School Board Chairman Babur Lateef said the federal agency already approves its reimbursement requests based on spending for special education and Title IX. However, he said, $50 million could be at risk for Virginia’s second-largest school system.

“Now, they’re saying they will scrutinize all our reimbursements at a level to determine if we are compliant with federal laws, and we’re assuming that, since they don’t believe we’re compliant, they are likely to withhold money to our school divisions for our Title I monies and students for disabilities,” Lateef told WTOP. “We don’t believe they are allowed to do that, but it looks like that’s what they are going to try to do.”

Prince William, Lateef said, is “willing to do whatever it takes to protect our federal funds and we’re looking at different options.”

Meanwhile, Fairfax County Public Schools said it received the DOE’s letter just after 4 p.m. Tuesday. On Friday, the original deadline for divisions to change their policies, Fairfax responded with information about why its existing practices are consistent with state and federal law, the division said in a statement.

In that message, Fairfax “also requested the Department of Education stop further action while this issue is clarified by the courts.”

The school district said it’s reviewing the new letter in detail, and while the issue is pending, policies will stay aligned with state law and a ruling from the federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

“Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason, shall continue to be provided with reasonable accommodations,” Fairfax County schools said.

A spokesman for Loudoun County Public Schools, meanwhile, said the division doesn’t believe it’s in violation of Title IX: “LCPS disputes that we have engaged in activity that would warrant being characterized as a ‘high-risk’ grantee and will consider appropriate next steps.”

The City of Alexandria school system told WTOP that it’s reviewing the correspondence from the Education Department.

WTOP has contacted Arlington County Public Schools for comment.

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From saving on school supplies to the impact of federal cuts, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow on air and online in our series, “WTOP Goes Back to School” this August and September.

Summer is officially over for tens of thousands of Northern Virginia students as many are returning to the classroom for the new school year.

Monday marks the first day of school for both Fairfax and Prince William counties, the state’s two largest school districts.

Middle and high school teachers in Fairfax will be using a new grading policy, as new cellphone rules will be put in place.

Instead of early release Mondays for Fairfax elementary school students, those days will fall on Wednesday this year. There will be eight early release days throughout the school year, allowing teachers sufficient planning time.

The district switched days this year in response to scheduling challenges that resulted from Monday holidays.

When middle and high school students arrive on campus each morning in Fairfax County, they’ll have to walk through weapons detectors. The division launched a pilot program last spring, putting the technology at different high school campuses on various days.

Calls for stronger security measures became stronger after a stabbing at West Potomac High School in April. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid recently told families the software will be in all middle and high schools by this fall.

She said she’s hoping it becomes “another seamless part of our safety and security procedures.”

The district studied different software and tools for weapons detection, Reid said, and found OpenGate to be the product that was most mobile and nimble.

“We had always intended to phase those in over time, over all of our schools,” she told WTOP while at Centreville High School.

Junior Aidan Kownacki said while it’s a measure that aims to keep students safe, “it is going to be a little bit annoying to have to take out binder, computer every morning. But it could definitely help me feel safer at school.”

Senior Daniel Ahn, meanwhile, said “nobody wants to be scared of this type of stuff at school. I just hope that it doesn’t make it really hard to get into the school, like everyone funneling through some of the doors.”

Separately, as part of safety initiatives, Reid said buses have turn-by-turn tablets and there’s going to be a way of carding on and off buses so drivers know who’s on the bus and “who maybe shouldn’t be on the bus.”

Fairfax County high school students aren’t allowed to use their cellphones in between classes this year, as part of a change to the division’s cellphone policy.

Elementary and middle schoolers with phones will have to put them away for the entire school day.

Senior Sienna Lucas said students will “learn more, hopefully, without having cellphones on themselves.”

But Senior Madysan Rich said while phones should be restricted during the school day, “I think we can have phones out in the hallway.”

Meanwhile, senior Brady Conway said while he understands why the new rules are in place, “I can’t agree with it.”

Junior Devyn Greene said she’s “definitely a little upset about it, and I know most students are, but I can see why they did that.”

Fairfax County has less than 1% of positions to fill, Reid said.

“We’re pretty much fully staffed, and we’re excited about that,” she said. “Everyone benefits when we’re fully staffed.”

Reid cited the work of the district’s HR department and word of mouth as contributing factors to having few vacancies.

“Recruitment and retention is a year-round task anymore,” Reid said. “We start early, and honestly, we’ll continue recruiting throughout the year.”

As for Prince William County Public Schools, it’s opening the 2025-2026 school year with new technology for middle school students, a new cellphone policy, two medical-based career certification programs, and a focus on providing a positive learning environment for students.

With 100 schools and programs, PWCPS is expecting almost 90,000 students this year, 13,000 full-time employees, and no bus driver vacancies.

Starting this year, all middle schools have new iPads for students. Occoquan Elementary School is on track to become the county’s first net-zero school, opening this winter.

The school system said it’s continuing to prioritize a positive climate and culture in schools. Each middle and high school will have a dean of students to support school leaders in maintaining consistency across all schools.

A division-wide, cellphone-free policy is in place: In elementary school, devices must be off and stored away all day. Dual-purpose watches can be worn, but cellular features must be turned off.

For middle and high schools, devices must be off and away during the bell-to-bell day but can be used before and after school. Exceptions can be made for students with IEPs, 50 plans, or safety plans.

Starting Monday, as part of its Career and Technical Education curriculum, the school system is offering a pharmacy technician program at Freedom High School and new emergency medical technician programs at Unity Reed and Brentsville District High School.

“Pharmacy techs are in high demand,” said Jessica Doiron, administrative coordinator for specialty programs at Freedom High School. “It’s a medical-based industry, and we have a lot of students who are very interested in medical fields.”

The four-year program of study includes Introduction of Health and Medical Sciences, Medical Terminology, Pharmacy Technician 1 and Pharmacy Technician 2.

“By their senior year, they will have to spend some clinical hours in a pharmacy,” said Doiron. “We have community partners, like CVS, where our students will actually gain hands-on experience.”

Doiron said students who finish the program can earn a certificate that would allow them to work in a pharmacy. If a student wanted to further their education, they could continue into college and ultimately become a Doctor of Pharmacy.

Also new this year, 11th and 12th grade students at Unity Reed and Brentsville District High School can get a hands-on introduction to a career as an EMT.

According to PWCPS, “Students explore and apply the fundamentals of emergency medical services (EMS), anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including the understanding of medical emergencies, trauma, shock, and resuscitation.”

“There are opportunities, careers that exist out there that you can actually start, right out of high school,” said Doiron. “And that’s extremely important to a lot of our students.”

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