Principal Updates - Week of September 30

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/30/2019 05:30 PM EDT

Be sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/OaktonHS), Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs!  Visit our Oakton Accolades page to see our latest student accomplishments.  

Important Upcoming Dates

September 30-October 4: Homecoming Week

October 2-3: Senior Portrait Make-up 

October 5: Homecoming Dance 

October 14: School Planning Day - No School 

October 16: PSAT Day; Candidates' Day; 2 Hr. Early Release

October 17: Underclassmen Picture Make-up

November 1: End of 1st Quarter

November 4: School Planning Day - No School 

November 5 - Teacher Workday - No School 

Renovation Update

Last week finishing touches were put on the concession stand and restrooms up at the main field.  The new ticket gates and new Cougar path are well on there way to being finished before Friday nights game.  Preparations have continued to finish the brick work on the existing portions of the addition.  

Please visit our website for more information on the scope of the renovation and the renderings of what the building will look like when completed. 

General Information 

Homecoming Week

This week is Oakton's Homecoming Week!  We are looking forward to a great week of activities.  This year we will be focusing on which grade level has the most spirit!  Here are some highlights of the week: 

  • Spirit Week Themes: 
    • Monday: USA Day
    • Tuesday: Jersey Day
    • Wednesday: We Wear Pink! Day
    • Thursday: Class Colors (9th - Black; 10th - White; 11th - Burgundy; 12th - Gold) 
    • Friday: Hawaii Day  
  • Friday October 4: Pep Rally and Homecoming Football Game vs. Lake Braddock 
    • Before the game Student Leadership will be hosting a tailgate on the Softball field for our students!  Come check it out from 5:30pm-6:15pm.  
  • Saturday October 5: Homecoming Dance
    • Our theme this year is a Homecoming Luau. 
    • Tickets will be sold during all lunches Monday-Friday of Homecoming week. 
    • The dance will be held in the Main Gym and will run from 8pm-11pm. 

We are looking forward to a great week with a lot of school spirit!  Let's Go Cougars!  

October 3, 2019 (FLEX Cougar Time) 

What is a FLEX Cougar Time?  This year we added in a few FLEX days throughout the year that are designed to allow students free choice on those days and provide opportunities throughout the building that allow for a break from academics.  Students have no assigned locations on those days and may choose the space that best fits their needs.  Options for students this week include: 

  • Classroom of any of their teachers. 
  • The Center will be having their grand opening in the Cafeteria.  Students can stop in and learn about all the options for student tutors and get extra help on an assignment or content area.  
  • Fall Luau Brain Break - All students are welcome to join the School Counseling Department on Thursday, October 3 during the Flex Cougar Time for a “Fall Luau” brain break.  We will be celebrating the Luau Homecoming theme with outdoor games and relaxing activities. Say Aloha to your counselor while enjoying a break in the day.  This will take place in the Auxiliary Gym.  
  • DECA Meeting - DECA will be having their kick-off meeting for the school year in the auditorium.  
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration - In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month we will be celebrating with food and Latin dancing.  The celebration will start in Room 159 and spread into the Main Gym Lobby.  

Upcoming Junior Class Field Trip

All Juniors will be visiting Smithsonian museums on Tuesday, October 8th, during school hours.  English teachers will be introducing the Juniors to the Capstone Experience project before the field trip. The goal is to expose students to these different museums with the hope that they use this opportunity to explore something they are passionate about and find a topic to research throughout the upcoming school year.  

Students will be riding the metro between Vienna metro and the Smithsonian metro so all students will need to bring a pre-loaded Metro card with at least $11.00 as well as money to purchase lunch. Students will be choosing which museums they plan to visit through their English classes and will travel to and from the National Mall as a Class.

Are you interested in chaperoning? We are in need of chaperones, and whether you are a parent of a junior or not, we would love to have you chaperone the trip! Please contact Janine Gervais at jhgervais@fcps.edu or Christie McCormick at csmccormick@fcps.edu if you are interested!

October 16 - PSAT Day Updates 

October 16 is designated as PSAT Day.  FCPS has implemented many changes to the process for PSAT Day.  While it will still be an early release for all students (12:55 dismissal), only our 10th and 11th grade students will be testing.  No student will have to register for the exam, rather they will be automatically registered at no cost to families.  9th graders will now be participating in Academic and Career Plan transition lessons to help them make the most out of their high school experience.  Finally, all 12th grade students will be participating in Candidates’ Day. We have updated our website with all the information you may need.  

World Languages Credit Exam

The 2019 Credit Exam for World Languages will be administered November 6 – 8, 2019. Students who take the credit exam will now have the opportunity to earn up to three credits, based on demonstrated proficiency.

Thirty (30) languages will be assessed via the FCPS Credit Exam, including:  American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese/Mandarin, Farsi/Persian, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit/Samskritam, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Greek, Hebrew, Portuguese and Turkish languages will be tested using the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), which is a timed test and has a format distinct from the FCPS World Languages Credit Exam.  More information on the WPT is available here: Writing Proficiency Test.

Registration opens Monday, September 9, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.  Late registrations will not be accepted.

Students who are interested should see their school counselor to register.  

Credit exam information can be accessed at: Credit Exam for WL.

AP Exam Registration for Non-Enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $94, and the form to register can be found in school counseling or on our website. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 25th.  

If you have any questions about AP testing in general, please contact one of our AP testing coordinators: Katie Warehime at KJWarehime@fcps.edu.

College Board Accommodations- Deadline for AP Testing

Students who have an IEP or 504 do not automatically have College Board accommodations. Paperwork must be submitted to Oakton by December 20, 2019, to allow for processing prior to the College Board deadline; however, we encourage students to submit paperwork as early as possible. All paperwork is to be given to Chris Buckley, SSD Coordinator at Oakton High School. Each of the following must be completed:

College Board Consent Form

College Board Local Application Form

Paperwork should be delivered to Oakton High School, to the attention of Chris Buckley, or emailed to cjbuckley@fcps.edu. 

If you have any questions regarding the process, you can contact your child’s case manager or counselor, or email Chris Buckley at cjbuckley@fcps.edu.

Full Frequently Asked Questions regarding AP exams are located on our website.

AP Opt-Out Procedure

Students enrolled in at least one AP class will receive an opt-out letter tomorrow October 1st in their 4th period class. Any student who did not receive their opt-out letter and wishes to opt-out of one or more AP exams, can pick up their letter from their counselor. Opt-out forms are due to Student Services (T-31) no later than October 25th. Forms must be turned in to Mrs. Buscemi, Ms. Warehime or Mrs. Calvello only. Late forms will not be accepted. Fairfax County Public Schools will pay for the first 6 AP Exams for the associated courses of a student’s school career, and each additional exam is $94.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Warehime at kjwarehime@fcps.edu.

It's Time to Order Your 2019 Oakton High School YEARBOOK

Hey Oakton Cougars -- order a 2019 OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL yearbook before the price increases! The yearbook is currently on sale for $72 -- so place your order NOW to save $18 off the final distribution price and guarantee that your student gets a 2019 yearbook in the spring. Yearbooks are sold first-come, first-served until they are all gone. No extra are guaranteed at distribution. Please email OHSparagon@gmail.com with any questions.

Visit https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/4770 to order your yearbook TODAY!

Parent Information

PTSA Information 

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out for our first PTSA meeting on Tuesday evening.  A summary of the Meeting Minutes will be available online soon!

  • Mini Grants - Do you have a terrific idea to improve education at Oakton High School?  The OHS PTSA wants to support you in its success!  Click here to learn more about our mini grants program.
  • Mock SAT Test and Prep Class - Oakton HS PTSA has partnered with Elite Prep to bring our students a SAT mock test and strategy prep class on Saturday, October 26.  All grades welcome, see the details and register HERE!
  • Angst Movie Screening and Panel Discussion - Join us for a viewing of the teen anxiety movie "Angst" on Monday, October 28 in the Oakton Auditorium. This event is FREE but we are asking everyone to RSVP so we can prepare materials.   Reserve your tickets today and let’s start a conversation.  We are also collecting for the Oakton Pantry and requesting snack or protein bars,  Please drop donations on the Pantry table near the Auditorium doors.
  • Volunteers Needed (Updated Date) - Please sign up to volunteer for the 10th Grade Vision/Hearing Screening on Wednesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23.  NOTE: You must have an Oakton HS PTBoard account to sign up to volunteer.  Email us if you have any questions!
  • October PTSA Meeting - Our next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday, October 22 in the Oakton Library.  We will vote on the budget and mini grants, and have a guest speaker on the topic of Teen Trafficking and Stepping Stones an after school club at Oakton that works to inform students about teen trafficking. Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a PTSA member to join us. 
  • Have you joined the PTSA yet?  NEW GIVEAWAY - SAT or ACT online prep course from Princeton Review (valued $950) to one lucky household of current PTSA members or anyone that joins before October 15.  Your membership (and generous donations) are vital to the success of the PTSA including funding for events, mini grants and other Oakton HS community support! Please JOIN and help support the students, teachers, and Oakton community to achieve our goals this year!

We look forward to seeing you at our October Meeting!

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2019-2020 school year must attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD). The 90-minute presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card. The 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered four times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parent/guardian should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton during the quarter their student receives driver education. 

PSTD meetings at Oakton during 2019/2020 school year:

  • Wed. December 4th
  • Mon. February 24th
  • Mon. April 20th

All sessions will run from 7:00-8:30pm in the Oakton Auditorium.

Please bring a pen/pencil and arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be admitted once the presentation begins.

The meeting is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors that have not attended a PSTD night yet. The student and parent must attend one presentation as a part of the VA licensing requirements. 

Juniors and seniors who wish to attend must pre-register online through the Adult and Community Education (ACE) office and pay a $30 fee - please see a Drivers Ed teacher for more details.

Sophomores DO NOT need to pre-register. This is not available to freshmen

The Pantry at Oakton High School

Did you know that Oakton High School has a pantry where students in need can pick up non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, household cleaning supplies, and paper goods? If you are in need, please contact anyone in the guidance office and they can offer you assistance.

The Pantry at OHS is supported by our wonderful Oakton community. Donations are always welcome and can be dropped off in the front office, at door 4.

We also have an Amazon Wish List that is updated for the new school year and kept current with The Pantry’s needs. Items purchased off the Wish List are shipped directly to the school! https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PXP0VZH14Y/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist

Thanks so much for your generosity and support! The Pantry Team

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

Parent Resources - FCPS

FCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host its sixth annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, at Fairfax High School in partnership with Inova and Kaiser Permanente.  More information can be found here.  

Family Engagement Resources 

In FCPS we recognize that when families are engaged in their children’s education, students achieve higher grades, attend school regularly, have better social skills, and go on to postsecondary education. We offer programs, services, and resources that engage families, schools and the community in support of student success.

Find out more here about programs and supports offered in FCPS to build stronger family-school partnerships and better engage families.

Post-Secondary Education Options: Parent Coffee & Conversation

Join FCPS Career and Transition Services to learn about post-secondary concerns for students contemplating college.

Highlights will include:

  • Disclosure
  • Accessing Accommodations
  • Disability Support Services
  • Differences Between High School and College

Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon.

Register for Post-Secondary Education Options: Parent Coffee & Conversation

From Chaos to Calm: 10 Ways to Stop Power Struggles

Please join Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin, for a laugh-out-loud funny presentation filled with practical, concrete strategies to restore calm in your home and stop the power struggles.

Perfect for parents of children ages 2 – 22!

  • Get your kids to listen the first time.
  • Stop defiance, disrespect, and yelling.
  • Stop whining, tantrums, and sibling fights.
  • Get kids off screens without a fight.
  • Create stress-free mornings, homework time, and bedtime.

Thursday, October 3, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon and 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This session is full. Register for the waitlist for From Chaos to Calm 10 a.m.-noon

This session is full. Register for the waitlist for From Chaos to Calm 6:30-8:30 p.m

Mastering the Process of School: Helping Students Build Study and Organization Skills

Executive Functioning (EF) skills, such as time-management, materials organization, planning, and prioritization, and initiating and completing work, are critical for student success in school and in life. Students with executive function challenges can have difficulty fully demonstrating their knowledge and strengths.

Join us for this workshop to learn:

  • What is Executive Functioning?
  • What strategies can I use to help my child develop stronger Executive Functioning skills?

This session will both define and provide explicit strategies to help bolster these essential skills for students accessing a challenging curriculum or high-incidence support.

Presented by Lindsey Thoms, M.Ed., Kathy Essig, M.Ed., and Deborah Rosen of The StudyPro.

Friday, October 11, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon.

This session is full. Register for the Waitlist: Mastering the Process of School: Helping Students Build Study and Organization Skills

Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities

Don’t miss this FREE Resource Fair for students with disabilities and their parents!

Learn about vocational, residential, leisure, recreational, independent living and advocacy options. This resource fair is for all individuals requiring ongoing employment and community support services after graduation.

  • 6:30-6:45 p.m. Registration - Participants and Adult Service Providers
  • 6:45-7:15 p.m. Overview Presentation (Little Theater)
  • 7:15-8:45 p.m. Adult Service Provider Fair/Exhibits (Cafeteria)

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 6:30-8:45 p.m. at Lake Braddock SS

Register for Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities

Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse and Today’s Youth

It can be so hard to watch someone close to you destroy themselves with drugs and alcohol. Learn how to deal with being hurt by your loved ones and how you can support them in their darkest moments.

  • Local substance abuse expert, Sam Lucania, with support from FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness, will share some of his life experiences and lessons learned.
  • Learn how to improve your ability to handle the unexpected influences in your child’s life.
  • He will have you learn that there is indeed hope in recovery and that we can turn our lives around when we take the right steps.
  • Learn the signs and strategies to support and help your child.

Friday, October 18, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon.

This Session is full. Register for the Waitlist: Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse and Today’s Youth

Dyslexia Open House

Browse exhibit tables and learn about next steps for FCPS students with dyslexia.

Thursday, October 24, 2019, 10-11 a.m.

Register for Dyslexia Open House

Helping your Child Cope with Stress

As parents, we want to shield our children from stress and adversity as much as possible. However, we cannot protect them from everything; everyone will face challenges in his or her life. What we can do is give them the skills necessary to face those stresses and challenges head-on, to learn from them, and to grow in strength and maturity as a result.

Join Dr. Lisa Bateman, Clinical Psychologist, in this important session that will focus on:

  • Recognizing stress in children
  • Building resiliency skills
  • The role of mindfulness and executive functioning skills

Friday, October 25, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon.

This session is full.  Register for the Waitlist: Register for Helping your Child Cope with Stress

Future Quest: College and Career Conference for Middle and High School Students

Future Quest is a FREE college and career conference held every two years for middle and high school students with disabilities, young adults with disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them. The conference is organized by George Mason University and the Northern Virginia Transition Coalition. One of the largest events of its kind in Virginia, Future Quest features more than 40 workshops and 40 exhibits related to a successful life after high school.

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at George Mason University Johnson Center

Register for Future Quest 2019

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