From the Principal's Desk
GovDelivery23 days 11 hours agoJanuary 18: Saturday School 9am-12pm, Library
January 20: School Holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/Inauguration Day)
January 21: PTSA Meeting, Library, 7pm-8pm
January 21: ANG Meeting, Library, 8pm-9pm
January 28: End of 2nd Quarter; Full Day - NO early release.
January 29: No School; Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Thank you for attending Curriculum Night!
January 17, 2025
Dear Fairfax Families,
What an action-packed and inspiring first full week back at Fairfax High School! It has been a joy to witness the energy, collaboration, and intentional planning that are shaping a strong foundation for the rest of this school year and beyond. Here are some of the highlights from this week:
Junior Class Events
This week, we hosted our Junior Class Meeting and Junior College Night. These events provided invaluable insights for students and their families on college admissions, finding the “right fit,” and future planning. It was wonderful to see so many families engaged in these important conversations about their students’ next steps.
Celebrating Senior Athletes
We were thrilled to celebrate our Wrestling and Swim & Dive Senior Nights. Recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our Class of 2025 athletes is always a highlight. Thank you to everyone who made these celebrations so special for our students.
Senior Class Updates
Our Senior Class Meetings for both students and parents were filled with excitement as we discussed all things related to the end of the school year and graduation. We are eagerly anticipating:
- Our first-ever whole-class College Signing Day
- Our inaugural Senior Class Trip
- Planning a memorable Graduation Ceremony
These milestones will surely create lasting memories for the Class of 2025.
New Year Open House
This week we hosted our New Year Open House for families who are new to Fairfax High School or enrolled after the beginning of the year events. This event was a wonderful opportunity to welcome new members to our community, showcase our programs, and ensure everyone feels at home here.
Curriculum Night and Curriculum Fair
Two of my favorite events of the year took place this week: Curriculum Night and Curriculum Fair. These events give students and families the opportunity to explore classes, connect with teachers, and have a voice in shaping educational journeys. It’s inspiring to see the excitement and curiosity these events spark. We had a full house, and we thank our teachers for their commitment and enthusiasm around their content.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This week we recognized Dr. King and we encouraged our students to engage in acts of service within their community and beyond. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education."
Thank you to our dedicated staff, students, and families for making this week so impactful. The energy and enthusiasm in our school community are truly unmatched. Together, we are making Fairfax a place where every student thrives and feels supported.
Here’s to a PAWSome weekend!
In partnership and collaboration,
Included in this issue:
Calendar Reminders
- Orthodox Epiphany, January 19
- Martin Luther King Jr Day, January 20
- Inauguration Day, January 20
- Saturday School, Jan. 18 & 25
- Second Quarter Ends, January 28
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Keeping Kids Warm
- SR&R and Cell Phone Survey
- Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
- Student Services Important Dates
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Be a Science Fair Judge!
- Gap Year Fair
- College Partnership Program
- Varsity Tutors
- District News - In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Meeting Reminders
- Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon A One More Time
- Join the PTSA!
FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
Spanish: Epifanía OrtodoxaEn la Iglesia Ortodoxa, la Epifanía se celebra el 19 de Enero y conmemora el bautismo de Jesús en lugar de la llegada de los Reyes Magos. Se cree que el bautismo de Cristo por Juan el Precursor (Juan el Bautista) en el río Jordán inició el ministerio de Cristo en la tierra y reveló la Santísima Trinidad de Dios, Jesús y el Espíritu Santo a la humanidad.
El calendario escolar reconoce muchas observaciones religiosas y culturales (días O) durante el año escolar. Hay escuela en estos días, sin embargo, la Junta Escolar ha ordenado que los exámenes, pruebas, excursiones, graduación, "homecoming", o eventos atléticos programados por FCPS no se llevarán a cabo en estos días de observancia.
Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
Korean: 정교회 주현절FCPS는 정교회 주현절을 종교 및 문화 준수일로 지정했습니다. 이 날에는 등교하지만, 보충할 수 없는 특정 행사는 이 기념일에 열리지 않습니다. 학년도 전체 학사 일정을 확인하세요.
Martin Luther King Day (Holiday) / Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
Spanish: Día de MLK: Las escuelas y oficinas estarán cerradas el Lunes 20 de enero por el feriado del Día de Martin Luther King Jr. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
Korean: 마틴 루터 킹 데이 공휴일상기 사항. 1월 20일 월요일은 마틴 루터 킹 공휴일로 학교 및 오피스가 문을 닫습니다. 마틴 루터 킹과 관련된 상세 정보 알아보기. 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.
Saturday School Jan. 18 & 25Students, if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with assignments, Saturday School is an excellent time to ask for help, recover some of your course work and attendance concerns - especially before 2nd quarter ends!
Saturday School will be available Jan. 18 & 25
No sign up needed! Students report to the LIBRARY from 9AM to 12PM. Snacks provided.
No transportation provided.
2nd Quarter Ends, January 28January 28, is the last day of the quarter. See the complete school year calendar.
Spanish: Fin de TrimestreEl Martes, 28 de Enero, es el último día del trimestre. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
Korean: 분기 종료(Quarter End)1월 28일인 화요일은 분기의 마지막 날입니다. 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.
Fairfax Lions Need to Know: 🧥Keeping Kids WarmKeep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaisons, Hala Shafik, at [email protected], and Ana Bauserman, at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
SR&R and Cell Phone SurveySR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Gradebook Available Until End-of-QuarterGradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, Jan. 28, 4pm to Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6am.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVue
Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
Tuesday, January 21
Students will meet with their School Counselor through their English classes to select courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents that want to be a part of this conversation are encouraged to reach out to their students' counselor.
Virtual Academic Advising Night:Thursday, January 23, 6-8PM – NEW MAKEUP EVENT ADDED
Virtual Curriculum Night option. This is an Academic Advising event for the classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 (rising 9th, current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade). The evening aims to provide families with information to help select courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Topics to include graduation requirements, electives, advanced placement, dual enrollment, and honors level classes. Rising 9th grade can attend virtually from 6 to 7PM and rising 10-12 may attend from 7-8PM. This event will be recorded. Links will be provided closer to the date.
On-Time Academy Application Deadline:Friday, March 7, 2025
Students interested in an academy course must have a submitted application to be considered on time. Applications are completed through their School Counselor.
Last day to change course requests for the 2025-2026 school year: Friday, June 6Please view our Academic Advising site (https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising) for all information. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's counselor.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 🌟 Be a Science Fair Judge! 🌟 Are you a scientist, engineer, or science enthusiast?Do you have a passion for discovery and helping students shine?
We're looking for volunteer judges to evaluate projects at our Fairfax HS Science Fair on February 1, 2025!
Your expertise, enthusiasm and constructive feedback can make a lasting impact on budding, young scientists.
SIGN UP TODAY!
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Register online - follow the link or QR Code: https://forms.gle/azrkLQnpfZgazirX9
Thank you for your support!
✈️ Gap Year FairLearn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation at the Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School.
This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
College Partnership ProgramDo you have a student between grades 8 - 11, who wants to go to college? If so, they should consider applying to the College Partnership Program (CPP), which offers support from exploration to application! The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025.
CPP offers programming to help prepare students and families from 9th grade all the way through applying to and enrolling in college, including:
- Academic counseling
- College visits
- Help with completing college and scholarship applications
- Monthly meetings
- A summer overnight experience on a college campus
- News and information related to colleges and careers via Schoology
All students are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program, and are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher in core classes
- Attend monthly CPP meetings
- Are willing to pursue advanced coursework
- Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities
The goal of the program is to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access and opportunity, and support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses. This includes students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., Multilingual learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities.
Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/u2e3hme3
The application is only open to students using their FCPS G-Suite account. All applications will be submitted ONLINE ONLY.
If you have questions, please reach out to Nikki Bender, [email protected], Dara Markenson, [email protected], or Bertha Mensah, [email protected].
📑 Varsity TutorsVarsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
District News - In Case You Missed itFCPS News - In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Dress Children Warmly
- Proposed Construction Projects
- Dual Language Immersion Lottery
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Links- Fairfax HS Academy
- Educate Fairfax
- FCPS Family Academy
- Family Resource Center
- FCPS CARES
- FCPS News
- Job Openings
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- SIS ParentVUE
- Standard School Year Calendar
- Visit the Fairfax High School Website
- Visit the Fairfax PTSA Website
- Sign up for News You Choose messages or update your account
- Meeting Reminders
- Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon A One More Time
- Join the PTSA!
The next PTSA meeting is January 21, 2025, at 7:00pm in the Library.
Immediately following is the ANG meeting at 8:00pm.
See you there!
Fairfax Academy Presents: Once Upon A One More Time (High School Version)
Powered by the chart-topping hits of the undisputed Princess of Pop, Once Upon a One More Time turns our favorite fairytales upside down with a clever twist! When a fairy godmother goes rogue and plops copies of The Feminine Mystique in the laps of classic heroines, the damsels go on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine “happily ever after.” Once Upon a One More Time weaves 23 of Britney Spears’ smash singles into a fun and brilliant book by Jon Hartmere, culminating in a show with non-stop appeal!
Please Note: Some material may not be suitable for all ages.
All performances held at Fairfax High School Auditorium:
- January 31, February 1, 6, 7 @ 7:00pm
- February 2 @ 2:00pm
- February 8 @ 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets are on sale NOW! https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15651/
It's Never Too Late to JOIN PTSAJOIN the PTSA to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your member dues and donations work to fund ALL of our activities and programs, help keep you engaged and informed about what is happening in our school community, and provide opportunities to get involved and have fun with other families. Join us!
Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
3501 Lion Run Fairfax, VA 22030 | Main Office: 703-219-2200