September 8, 2025: Check out this Back to School Magic, “The Secret Sauce” — Dr. Peter Noonan and his team of educators in Falls Church City Public Schools share 45 ideas on what makes a school district special.”

Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — “When I arrived in 2017 to serve Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) as the 9th Superintendent in the division’s history, I knew something about this place was different than anywhere else I had ever worked,” writes Dr. Peter Noonan in the introduction to his new book, “The Secret Sauce.”

It is his parting gift to the school district that he spent 8 years running until June 2025 when he retired. It was his 33rd year in public education.

Of his work as an educator, Peter shares: “I have been afforded me the opportunity to teach, lead, learn, and travel the globe. I’ve been in over 1000 schools in my career and worked with, or for, nearly 400,000 students. In my journey through public service I have found one truth to be universal: It is the people in any organization that make a place great. FCCPS is no different and when asked to consider what the “secret sauce” is that leads to the extraordinary outcomes for kids, it is immediately evident that it is the people and the relational culture that exists that makes us great.”

Inkandescent is honored to have published “The Secret Sauce.” Peter and I have worked together since 2001, when I was the communications director for the City of Fairfaxhern VA, and he was the principal Schools in Nort of Lanier Middle School. I have watched as his career unfolded, and like so many others, have been privileged to learn from his leadership and insights into how to best educate kids.

In “The Secret Sauce,” readers will find 45 essays by other experienced educators in FCCPS. The book is divided into three themes that capture the essence of their experience: The Little City, Teachers Make the Difference, and Relationships Matter. In addition to the foreword by former Superintendent Stewart Roberson and an introduction by vice chair of the Kathleen Tysse, all of the head shots of the authors of the essays are taken by high school photo students: Riley Abrenio, Allessandra Ferguson, Elise Morris, and Justin Tormljanovich. The book is illustrated by 5 high school art students: Evelyn Lanier, Charlotte Mullery, Misbah Hussain, Katrina Hardt, and Grace Calabrese.

Designed by our Inkandescent art director, Michael Gibbs, who also created the cover for the book, all proceeds from sales go to the Falls Church Education Foundation.

Click here to read all 45 essays. 

Until next Monday: I invite you to take to heart this Greg  Louganis quote featured in Peter’s book, “Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better, even if you never know it.” — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us

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