From the Principal's Desk
GovDelivery215 hours 49 minutes agoNovember 20-23: FX Players Presents: Much Ado About Nothing - Performances SOLD OUT!
November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
December 5: Orchestra Pyramid Concert, 7pm
December 6: NOVA Wrestling Classic, all day
December 10: Winter Band Concert, 7pm
December 12: Academy MTAS Cabaret, 7pm
December 13: FX Players CollaBRRRet, 6:30pm
December 23 - Jan 3: FCPS Winter Break, All Schools Closed
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Our Lion Community Celebrates Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2024
It is a Fabulous Fairfax Friday!
We have so much to be grateful for and many PAWSome accomplishments to celebrate. Here are some of the highlights from this week:
Thanksgiving Celebration: We kicked off the holiday season with a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration. Our cafeteria team prepared a fabulous lunch, which was served by our incredible Admin team, and enjoyed by all students and staff. It was a joyous occasion, and we are grateful for everyone who came together to make it such a special day.
Honor Roll Recognition: A huge congratulations to the 775 students who earned recognition on the A/B Honor Roll! This week, we were thrilled to present them with certificates and a sweet treat to celebrate their hard work and academic achievement. Your dedication to excellence is truly inspiring.
Fairfax Lions Football: Exciting news for our Fairfax Lions Football team! They defeated West Potomac in an action-packed game and are advancing to the next round of the region playoffs next Tuesday. Let’s show our support and cheer them on as they continue their playoff journey!
Much Ado About Nothing: Our talented FHS Players took to the stage this week with a spectacular production of Much Ado About Nothing. The show has been a huge hit, with sold out shows, and it has brought so much laughter and entertainment to our community. Congratulations to the cast and crew for showcasing such amazing talent.
Promoting Language and Culture: We are incredibly proud to promote the eight foreign languages we offer at Fairfax High School in conjunction with our Academy. This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming visitors from Korea, who observed both our language and instructional programs. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the breadth of learning that happens here at FHS and strengthen our global connections.
Family Connection: Fairfax High School is offering courses as part of our Fairfax Family University series. Currently we offer English Language Learning classes, computer courses, and preschool educational support. Be on the lookout for our added offerings in the new year. Please reach out to one of our FHS Family Liaisons or stop into our Family Engagement Center to learn more.
As always, thank you for being a part of our vibrant Fairfax High School community. We are grateful for each and every one of you!
Stay Warm and Have a PAWSome Weekend,
We Celebrate our Educators!! Included in this issue:
Community Spotlight
- Food for Neighbors Red Bag Program
School Spotlight
- Fairfax Academy hosts Korean Students
Calendar Reminders:
- Thanksgiving Holiday, Nov. 27-29, Schools & Offices closed
- Principal's Coffee, Dec. 6, Career Center, 7:30-8:30am
- Second Quarter days for Saturday School
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Preparing for Winter Weather
- Cell Phone Feedback Opportunity
- SEL Screener Results Coming Soon
- Boundary Review Meetings
- FREE Parent Workshop in Arabic - Registration Required
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Thank you for Recognizing our Staff!
- Much Ado Performances All Sold OUT!
- Student Services Updates
- Senior Ads & Senior Portrait Info
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Thank you to our Craft Show Volunteers!
- No Meetings in December
- Join the PTSA or Donate Today
Fairfax High School is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger. Food For Neighbors is a local organization addressing this problem by collecting food from our community via the Red Bag Program and donating directly to our local schools. The food is then distributed to the students every week through our food pantry. We hope you will consider participating in the Red Bag food collection program. You can make a difference in a local student’s life by simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart every two months.
Here’s how it works:
- Request a reusable Red Bag HERE and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house.
- Fill the Red Bag with food items that are listed on a tag on that bag.
- Put the Red Bag outside your front door in the morning on the next bag collection day. Collection dates are also listed on the bag tag. And don’t worry, FFN will send reminders.
- Your Red Bag will be picked up from your house, the food sorted at a local school and delivered directly to our school food pantry.
As an added benefit, you can get a tax deduction for the food that you donate! With your help, even more kids can be fed.
For more information on the Red Bag program click here. Check out what items FFN collects as they are targeted to ready-made, individually packaged food items that students and teens can eat on-the-go or with little preparation. As we partner with FFN, other critical volunteer opportunities include: Driving to pick up filled Red Bags and Sorting the donated food during the Red Bag Day events. Visit the FFN FAQ page to find out more and to sign up to volunteer in these two very important roles. These are great opportunities for our students to receive volunteer service hours, too. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our School Social Worker or Family Liaison or Lisa Dean [email protected].
Thanks for helping us provide food to students who need that extra support!
School Spotlight Fairfax Academy Hosts Korean Student Visitors
Earlier this week, Teachers and Coordinators from Korea came to visit Fairfax Academy & Fairfax High School. They work with the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship program and were interested in observing our language classes, particularly our Korean program and getting a tour of our school. These visitors had never toured an American high school before and commented on how big and beautiful our school was. They felt very welcomed by our community and said they wished they had a high school like ours back in Korea!
🗓️Calendar Reminders Thanksgiving Holiday, Nov. 27-29
Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2.
Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.
See the complete school year calendar.
Join us for the Next Principal's Coffee, Dec. 6The next Principal's Coffee will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30am in the Career Center. This is a great way to interact with the Principal and other parents to see what's going on at FHS. Join us!
Saturday School DatesNo sign up needed! Students report to the library from 9AM to 12PM. Snacks provided.
NO transportation provided.
Quarter 2 Dates
November 23 January 11
December 7 January 18
December 14 January 25
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
📱Cell Phone Feedback OpportunityStudent Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R
FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.
The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.
SEL Screener Results Coming SoonOne of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.
📍Boundary Review Community Meeting
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on
Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria.
Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.
If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
Reunión Comunitaria de Revisión de Límites
Las reuniones comunitarias sobre la Revisión de Límites de FCPS se llevarán a cabo en cada una de las seis regiones de la división. Le animamos a asistir a la reunión en nuestra región, que tendrá lugar el Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria.
Por favor, inscríbase con antelación haciendo clic en la fecha. Habrá servicio de interpretación.
Si no puede asistir en esta fecha, consulte la lista completa de reuniones en el sitio web de la Revisión integral de límites escolares.
Free Parent Workshop in ArabicFCPS is offering a FREE 10-week parent workshop in Arabic.
- When: Saturdays, 10:30-12:30pm
- Where: Virtual Meetings on Zoom in Dec, Jan, Feb.
- In-Person on February 22
Get tools to learn:
- How to build a positive relationship with your child
- Ways to prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use; disruptive behavior
- Ways to explore concrete solutions for active supervision
You must register to attend. Scan/Click on the QR code above, or lick on this link to register: Arabic Parent Workshop Form.
See the full FLYER for more details, or you can contact us:
Hiba Abdulwahhab, [email protected], (571)-567-0972, or Amal Elsayed, [email protected], 703-204-3956.
FCPS Family and School Partnerships; 703-204-4300
https://www.fcps.edu/department/office-family-and-school-partnerships
Thank you to those who submitted nominations for our Outstanding Employee Awards! We appreciate you taking time to recognize our amazing staff. We will announce the winners next month.
Much Ado Performances All Sold Out!Congrats to FXPlayers on their fall play, William Shakespeare's, Much Ado About Nothing.
Please Note: all remaining performances are SOLD OUT!
Thank you for your support and Congrats to the Cast & Crew!!
Student Services Updates Academic Advising DatesJanuary 7/8 – Academic Emphasis
January 9 – Curriculum Fair
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test Opportunity
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 @ 8:30 am – Fairfax High School Multi-purpose Room (C105)
What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a free career exploration program that helps students identify their strengths and explore potential career paths. The ASVAB is used as an entrance exam for the military but it’s more than just a military test – it's a valuable tool for anyone planning their future!
How can the ASVAB help me?
- Identify your skills: The ASVAB assesses your abilities in math, science, verbal skills, and mechanical comprehension, helping you understand your strengths.
- Explore career options: Receive personalized career suggestions based on your ASVAB results and learn about different career paths and educational opportunities.
- Plan your future: Whether you're considering college, trade school, or entering the workforce, the ASVAB provides resources to help you.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors can take the ASVAB for FREE at FHS!
The ASVAB will be administered at FHS on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 8:30 am. Please plan to arrive to the MPR by 8:15 am! The test will take approximately 3 hours.
Registration is required! Interested students must complete this Google Registration Form using their fcpsschools.net/FCPS Google Accounts by Monday, December 2, 2024 @ 3:00 pm:
📖 Senior Ads & 📸 Senior Portrait info! Senior Ads!Families of Seniors, the deadline for senior ads to be submitted for publication in this year’s yearbook, Fairfax High School’s 90th yearbook, is quickly approaching. All senior ads must be submitted and paid for by Nov 30th. We have plenty of room left and would love to have the chance to honor your senior with a page in a book that will last for decades (seriously, we have books from 1936 in the yearbook archive).
To order, navigate to https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/product/yearbook_ads. There are many sizes available to choose from. If prompted for a school code, enter 5671. You will be able to design and upload your tribute yourself and we will do the rest! If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. David Greene via email, [email protected], or call at 703.219.2265.
Congratulations to the families of the class of 2025; it’s in no small part due to you that your students are about to sail across the finish line!
Senior Portraits!
Seniors! The last dates to have your senior portraits taken (and the last day to get your picture in the yearbook) will be December 3, 4, 5, & 6. Appointments are available after school from 3pm-8pm. If you miss this opportunity, your last resort will be to travel to our photo partner’s studio in Annapolis to have your photos taken; there will be no more on-site sittings available at the school.
To book your appointment, go to https://seniors.legacystudios.com/fairfax-hs-va/ There are several different options available to you depending on how many outfits you would like to wear in your photos and each sitting has a different fee depending on the time you will be with the photographer. The only photo included in the yearbook is the formal photo and if you are only interested in appearing in the yearbook and have no other outfit changes, the sitting will be free.
Formal wear in the form of a drape or tux will be provided by the photographers as will caps and gowns if you choose a package that includes those photos. If neither the drape nor tux feels appropriate to you, you are welcome to provide your own formal attire, though we request that you wear all-black (such as a black turtleneck, button down, or dress) so that the senior section of the yearbook appears uniform.
If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. David Greene via email, [email protected], or call at 703.219.2265.
District News - In Case You Missed ItIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week - November 13, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Preparing for Winter Weather
- SEL Screener Results
- Varsity Girls Wrestling is New Winter Sport
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
- Sign up for News You Choose messages or update your account
- Visit the Fairfax PTSA Website
- Thank You for your Support!
- No Meetings in December
- Join the PTSA or Donate Today
THANK YOU to everyone who sent in donations and volunteered for the craft show this past weekend! The concessions were a BIG success because of you! We raised much needed funds for our seniors.
Thank you!!
No PTSA & ANG Meetings in DecemberPlease note that there will not be any PTSA or ANG meetings in December.
The next PTSA Meeting is January 21, at 7pm in the Library, and the ANG Meeting will immediately follow at 8pm.
Join or Donate Today!JOIN 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 if your time permits.
Parent/Adult: $20, Teacher/Staff: $12, FHS Student: $8.
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