Upcoming Events
August 30 & Sept 2: Labor Day Holiday for Students and Staff; FHS Building closed
Sept. 4: Late Buses Start, every Wed. & Thu.
Sept. 6: Unite & Excite Tailgate, 4:30-6:30pm in the Field House parking lot; Home Football Game vs. Oakton, kick off at 7:00pm.
Sept. 13: Homecoming Parade, Blenheim Blvd, 4:15pm
Sept. 13: Homecoming Game vs. Centreville, 7pm
Sept. 14: Homecoming Dance, FHS Field House, 8-11pm
Sept. 18: Back to School Night! Special Sessions at 5:30pm for FLE, ML, Seniors; Classroom visits at 6:30pm
Sept. 20: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library
Sept. 27: Fairfax Academy Musical Theatre Senior Spotlight Showcase, Auditorium, 7pm
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
Thank you to our fabulous Custodial Team for making our school SHINE!! ✨💯
August 30, 2024
Happy Friday Fairfax Families!
CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the second week of school! It was a great week to be a LION! The students have been simply PAWSome. We are focusing closely on recognizing our PBIS tenants here at FHS - Promoting Empathy, Accountability for our Actions, Working Hard, and Self-Advocacy. We have seen these core values in the classroom, the cafeteria, and the halls. Students and staff are PAWSitively committed to a great year.
It has also been a delight visiting highly engaging classrooms and observing lessons that took over our hallways while we created commercials, measured distance and time, and even danced for our language lesson. There were even a few very spirited scavenger hunts in the library. Lions love literacy!
Sports have begun and the energy is FAIRFAX FIERCE! We've spiked with our volleyball teams, ran the distance with track, and are gearing up for Friday night under the lights with the field hockey and football teams. This is a reminder that our late buses will begin September 4, and this is an amazing opportunity to connect with clubs and activities.
I truly hope all of our LIONS will take advantage of the beautiful weather, re-charge their ROAR, and celebrate the successful start to the school year. We want to encourage all parents to get involved with our school community, your partnership and communication is key to student success. The best way to do this is to JOIN THE PTSA. I'll see you at their first meeting on the 17th!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- We look forward to connecting with parents and guardians at Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 18.
Sincerely,
Included in this issue:
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Save the Date: Graduation is Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:30AM @ FHS
- Calendar Reminders: Labor Day, Late Buses, Unite & Excite, BTS Night
- Homecoming Info, Sept. 13 & 14
- Reminders for Visiting our School
- Safety Drills During the School Year
- Attend today, Achieve tomorrow!
- 2024 Students Rights & Responsibilities
- Important: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
- SAT Sign-up for Seniors
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Join the PTSA Today!
- Family Literacy Program
- World Languages Credit by Exam (WLCBE)
- Student Services Padlets & Instagram
- Poetry Contest - 2024 Arbor Day
- Mental Health Teletherapy
- Athletic Boosters Tailgate
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- PTSA Meeting, Sept. 17
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
- Mock SAT/ACT
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
Save the Date! Graduation June 5th
FAIRFAX HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DAY is Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:30am, in the stadium.
Senior Families, please check the Senior Section on the school website for all the latest information.
There will be a Senior Parent meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, Sept. 18th, before Back to School Night starts at 6:30pm.
🗓️Calendar Reminders: Labor Day
Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students.
Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day.
We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
Back to School Events
Save the date for these important events!
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September 4: LATE BUSES START; Late buses run every Wednesday and Thursday; students must be signed in with a teacher, club, or activity to receive a late bus pass.
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September 6: UNITE & EXCITE; 4:30-6:30pm in the Field House parking lot; Home Football Game vs. Oakton kicks off at 7:00pm.
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September 18: BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT; Special sessions for Special Education, Multi Language Learners, Seniors, and Family Life review, start at 5:30pm; introductions and classroom visits start at 6:30pm.
Homecoming Game Sept. 13, Dance Sept. 14
Homecoming is EARLY this year, save these dates!
- Spirit Week is Sep. 9-13
- Parade is 4pm on Friday, Sept 13
- Game, vs. Centreville HS, is 7pm on Friday, Sept 13
- Dance is 8-11pm on Saturday, Sept 14, in the Field House; tickets are on sale at school lunches.
Reminders for Visiting Our School
Please know we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously. All school visitors must enter FHS by way of “Door 1.” All school visitors will need to check in to the school visitor system in the front office before entering the school.
When outside, visitors are not permitted to visit school buses or playgrounds or to observe students from parking lots or other areas on school campuses.
Parents/caregivers are welcome to check in with their child's teacher via email during the first week if they are anxious about how their child is transitioning.
Fairfax High School, in conjunction with Fairfax City Police, are committed to ensuring a safe start to the school year. During daily dismissal you may see police presence in areas around the school as students walk and commute home.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Spanish: Simulacros de Seguridad Durante el Año EscolarMantener a los estudiantes y al personal seguros es una prioridad para FCPS. Cada escuela tiene un plan de preparación de emergencia para responder a incidentes como incendios y tornados. La ley estatal requiere que las escuelas practiquen simulacros de emergencia, incluyendo simulacros de encierro, cada año. Las escuelas también están obligadas a notificar a los padres y tutores al menos 24 horas antes de que una escuela lleve a cabo un simulacro de cierre. Sin embargo, las escuelas no están obligadas a comunicar con antelación la fecha y hora concretas del simulacro.El primer simulacro de seguridad del año escolar debe realizarse dentro de los primeros 20 días de clases. Los estudiantes de Pre-K y Kindergarten están exentos de practicar el primer simulacro de seguridad.Es posible que su hijo vuelva a casa y hable de su experiencia durante el simulacro. Le recomendamos que hable con su hijo sobre la importancia de estar preparado para las emergencias. Revise estas preguntas frecuentes para apoyar a sus estudiantes antes y después de los simulacros de seguridad de la escuela.
Trabajando juntos, creamos un ambiente seguro para que los estudiantes aprendan y crezcan en nuestras escuelas.⚠️ Conozca Nuestros Términos de Seguridad
FCPS usa terminología específica para especificar las acciones que el personal escolar y los estudiantes deben tomar para garantizar la seguridad en una variedad de situaciones. Es importante que el personal, las familias y los estudiantes entiendan lo que significan los diferentes términos y cómo afectan las operaciones escolares.
Vea este vídeo para obtener más información sobre las definiciones de los términos de seguridad: encierro; asegurar el edificio; y no moverse.
Si los estudiantes, personal, o miembros de la comunidad tienen una preocupación de seguridad en la escuela (que no es una emergencia inmediata), deben enviar un aviso a la Línea de Seguridad de FCPS. En caso de emergencia, por favor llame al 9-1-1.
Korean: 학기 중 안전 훈련학생과 교직원의 안전을 지키는 것은 FCPS의 최우선 과제입니다. 각 학교는 화재와 토네이도와 같은 사고에 대응하기 위한 비상 대비 계획을 가지고 있습니다. 학교는 주법에 따라 매년 건물 폐쇄 훈련을 포함한 비상 훈련을 실시해야 합니다. 또한 학교는 폐쇄 훈련을 실시하기 최소 24시간 전에 학부모와 보호자에게 통지해야 합니다. 그러나 학교는 훈련의 구체적인 날짜와 시간을 미리 알려줄 의무는 없습니다.
학년도 첫 폐쇄 훈련은 개학 후 20일 이내에 실시해야 합니다. 미취학 아동과 유치원생은 첫 번째 폐쇄 훈련에서 면제됩니다.
자녀는 훈련 기간 동안 집에 돌아와 훈련 경험에 관해 이야기할 수 있습니다. 비상사태에 대비하는 것의 중요성에 대해 자녀와 이야기하는 것이 좋습니다. 학교 폐쇄 훈련 전후에 학생들을 지원하기 위해 자주 묻는 질문을 읽어보세요.
우리 모두가 협력하여 학생들이 학교에서 배우고 성장할 수 있는 안전한 환경을 조성합시다.
⚠️ 보안 용어 알아보기FCPS는 특정 용어를 사용하여 교직원과 학생이 다양한 상황에서 안전을 보장하기 위해 취해야 할 조치를 명시하고 있습니다. 교직원, 가족, 학생은 다양한 용어가 무엇을 의미하고 학교 운영에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 이해하는 것이 중요합니다.
이 비디오를 시청하여 보안 용어의 정의에 대해 자세히 알아보세요: 락다운(봉쇄), 건물 보안, 격리 및 대기.
학생, 교직원, 지역사회 구성원이 학교에서 안전에 대한 우려(즉각적인 응급상황이 아닌 경우)가 있는 경우, FCPS 안전관련 신고센터(Safety Tipline)에 제보를 제출해야 합니다. 응급 상황에서는 9-1-1에 전화하십시오.
🙋Attend today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
¡Asistir hoy, lograr mañana!
El comienzo del año escolar es el mejor momento para desarrollar fuertes hábitos de asistencia. Los estudiantes que asisten a la escuela con regularidad tienen más probabilidades de rendir bien en lectura y matemáticas, desarrollar fuertes habilidades sociales y emocionales, y graduarse de la escuela secundaria a tiempo. Ayude a posicionar a su hijo para el éxito futuro. Visite la página web de Asistencia de FCPS para obtener consejos y estrategias.
2024 Students Rights & Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
2024 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes
El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Lea la carta de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid a las familias sobre el SR&R.
Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Lunes, 30 de Septiembre.
FCPS Cell Phone Policy
STUDENT PHONE POLICY DOCUMENT & GUIDELINES
High School Cell Phone Pilot Control Group
Phones are not to be used during school except for when allowed by Regulation 2601, High school students may use their phones during passing times and at lunch.
Every classroom will have a secure storage unit where students will deposit their phones at the start of class and then retrieve their phones at the end of class.
DAILY PROCESS
- As a student enters each classroom, they will silence their cell phones (or place in airplane mode). Smartwatches also need to be placed in silent or airplane mode. If a student brings airpods to school, these must be stored in the student’s backpack during class.
- As the student enters each classroom, they will place their phones in their backpacks.
- When class ends, students will be able to access their phones.
- For the first few weeks of the pilot, schools may have a daily schoolwide announcement first thing in the morning to remind students to silence their phones and to place phones in their backpacks as they enter each of their classrooms.
- Students may still use their phones during passing time and at lunch (but not in restrooms except in emergencies), in accordance with the SR&R.
- Students with IEPs who have an accommodation allowing access to their phones or students with a documented medical need requiring access to their phones will be allowed to have access to their phones.
VIOLATIONS
Staff Response and Discipline
- First Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated by a staff member and held until the end of the class. The phone will be secured by a staff member in the student’s classroom if the violation occurs in the classroom, or the phone will be secured in the office if the violation occurs in the hall or bathroom during class time. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the class. A parent/guardian is notified.
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Discipline: the student receives a warning and it is logged in SIS.
- Second Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day. A parent/guardian is notified.
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Discipline: the student receives detention and it is logged in SIS.
- Third Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. A parent/guardian is notified. A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student.
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Discipline: the student receives detention, a parent/guardian conference is held, and it is logged in SIS.
- Fourth Violation (and all other subsequent violations)
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. A parent/guardian is notified. A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student.
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Discipline: phone privileges are lost for 20 consecutive school days and it is logged in SIS. For each of these 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.
📋SAT School Day Sign up for Seniors
On Wednesday, October 9, Fairfax High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, students are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 4.
Fairfax High School: 2024 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form (https://forms.gle/Mqqk3pj1excj5YTa6)
Your student will need to use their @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form.
📚 Test Preparation Help!
All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparation. Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App. Students will participate in a SAT “Digital Readiness Check” advisory lesson to ensure devices are prepared for digital testing.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Parent Teacher Student Association: Join Today!
Join the PTSA today and be entered in our September 9th MEBMERSHIP RAFFLE DRAWING!!! JOIN the Parent Teacher Student Association, PTSA, to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your member dues and donations work to fund all of our activities and programs, helps keep you engaged and informed about what is happening in our school community, and provides opportunities to get involved as your availability permits.
Parent/Adult: $20
Teacher/Staff: $12
FHS Student: $8
Family Literacy Program
The Family Literacy Program will resume programming the third week in September. Our program is designed to connect multilingual families to their children's school, understand how to navigate FCPS, acquire English language skills to communicate effectively, and learn how to support their children's academic success. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website, Family Literacy (currently being updated) or email Micheline Lavalle at [email protected] or Natalia Sosa Molina at [email protected]. This fall, classes will be offered online and in person at the following school sites:
Centre Ridge ES - Falls Church HS - Glen Forest ES - Graham Road Community Building - Hutchinson ES - Luther Jackson MS - Parklawn ES - Providence ES - West Potomac HS - Westlawn ES.
Our program is FREE and has ongoing enrollment.
Fall Registration for the World Languages Credit By Exam
What is the World Languages Credit by Exam?
The World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE) assesses linguistic proficiency in languages other than English. Linguistic proficiency is the ability to use language in real world situations in a spontaneous interaction, non-rehearsed context, and in a manner acceptable and appropriate to native speakers of the language.
Students who take this exam may earn up to three world languages credits for levels one, two, and three for the language of the exam. The credits may fulfill the world languages requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma. In addition to earning world languages credits, students may also meet the world languages criteria for the Virginia Department of Education's Seal of Biliteracy.
The exam is offered one time per school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 through 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam.
Beginning school year 2024-2025, depending on the language, students will take the computer-based Avant STAMP or the paper-pencil test.
This year, the WLCBE is transitioning to a digital platform with a school-based testing administration. The exam will be scheduled during the school day and hosted by each school this November. Students will register through their school counselor. The WLCBE registration window for the exam is Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - Friday, October 4, 2024. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NEW Students who wish to register for the exam must provide registration consent by returning the WLCBE Notification and Registration Form to their school counselor.
Please see the following resources to help you during the registration process:
Students/families can inquire at [email protected]
✨ 📸 Student Services Padlets and Instagram
We are thrilled to share a valuable new resource designed to support our students’ success! The Fairfax High School Student Services team has created a user-friendly hub that provides easy access to a wealth of resources. Whether your student is preparing for college, exploring career paths, or seeking additional support, this hub has everything they need.
Our FHS Student Services Padlet Hub serves as a central point for important information. It’s simple to navigate—just scroll, click, and explore the resources available. We invite you to take a look and see all the tools at your disposal.
We encourage you and your student to take full advantage of these resources to help guide their journey at Fairfax. Let’s work together to make this school year the best one yet!
We also hope you will follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest news from Student Services @FHSStudentServices
Poetry Contest - 2024 Arbor Day
In celebration of 2024 Arbor Day on October 26, 2024, the Fairfax City Environmental Sustainability Committee is planning a poetry contest. The focus of the poetry contest is "Protect the Environment Around You". Focus of poetry can be about nature, the importance of trees, climate change, human impact on nature, global warming, decline in various species, or anything else related to environmental awareness and stewardship.
This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.
One poetry winner from each city school will receive the award of $50. The winner will also be invited to read their poetry at the Fairfax City Arbor Day Celebration on October 26th, 2024, at Van Dyck Park (details will be shared later).
Please use the Google form for submissions:
2024 Arbor Day Poetry Contest Form
Poetry Due Date: October 7th, 2024
Mental Health Teletherapy
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services, Ashley Anderson, [email protected].
Find information on our school website here: https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/resources/student-wellness-resources
Athletic Boosters Tailgate
Come one, come all to the Athletic Boosters Tailgate! On September 6th, from 5:00-6:30pm in the Field House parking lot. Come meet fellow FHS parents at Unite & Excite before the first home football game. Enjoy drinks, snacks, games, and the chance to win raffle prizes while learning more about he FHS Athletic Boosters! See you there!!
Quick Links
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- PTSA Meeting, September 17
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
- Mock SAT/ACT
Join us for the First Meeting of the Year!
Please join us at 7pm on Tuesday, September 17th in the school Library for the first PTSA meeting of the school year!
PTSA No-Fuss Fundraiser - Donate Today!
Support our FHS Students and Teachers with your generous donations! Our No-Fuss Fundraiser has a goal of $2200 to fully fund the proposed 24-25 PTSA budget. The Parent, Teacher, Student Association supports FHS students and teachers through financing events and supporting wellness, diversity, and volunteerism. The PTSA rewards academic achievement, offers student scholarships, funds classroom grants, puts on teacher appreciation events, and supports the FHS Food Bank.
We rely entirely on membership dues and donations to fund the PTSA budget, and as a 501(c)3, your donation is tax-deductible. For details on how the funds are spent, see the proposed budget HERE.
Mock SAT (digital) / Mock ACT (paper)
On Saturday, September 21, 2024 the FHS Academic Boosters will partner with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) exams.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75)
Test Time: Saturday, September 21st, 9:00am – 11:45am
Students must be from FCPS and bring a fully charged FCPS computer
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8801
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50)
Test Time: Saturday, September 21st, 9:15am – 1:30pm
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8801
Can’t make the September date? The next test at FHS will be March 22, 2025. You can sign-up now using the above.
Questions: [email protected]
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
Attendance: 703-219-2211| Web
