 Fairfax HS Band Concert!
Dear Fairfax Families,
If only all this rain was snow, oh what fun that would be! Maybe it is best to wait for the winter holiday break which is just a few days away!
The FHS band concert was outstanding last night. The “Prism” Concert featured large and small groupings of students performing in all different areas of the auditorium. This unique format showcased our many talented musicians and their different perspectives on music. Next week, the Winter Orchestra and Choral concert will take place on Tuesday, December 17th at 7:00 PM. Come on out to listen and enjoy another fun evening with our student musicians.
The NOVA Wrestling Classic began today with many of our athletes competing in multiple events over the next two days. In other sports news, our indoor track team placed 2nd out of 65 schools at the DCIAA Invitational track meet this weekend at Prince Georges Sportsplex in Landover, MD.
When people ask why I’ve been at FHS so long (twenty-three years!) I always say, “it’s the students, they are the nicest kids!”. Two wonderful examples are featured in this week’s NYC. The FHS GSA Alliance planned and carried out the Positivity Project over the weekend. The goal of the project was to spread messages of love, positivity, and inspiration to the student body and the staff of FHS. Our students and staff were greeted on Monday morning with positive notes throughout the school bringing many smiles on a Monday morning. Our DECA students are using their marketing skills to plan and execute the Later-Haters campaign to raise awareness and to encourage students to take the pledge to end cyber bullying and inspire change in the community and throughout the cyber worlds.
Academic Advising begins when students return in January. Laura Rotella, Director of Student Services has provided you with detailed information about the process. Having conversations about course selections with your child over the winter holiday will help them be prepared to make the best choices for their interests and needs.
With Participation Respect Integrity Determination Empathy,
Maureen Keck
Acting Principal
Included in this edition are:
- Student Services Update
- Indoor Track Places 2nd!
- DECA Later-Haters Campaign
- GSA Lock-in
- Judges Needed for Science Fair in February
- A Chorus Line
Student Services Updates
First, I want to welcome back Aja Adu-Gyamfi. She has returned from maternity leave and has resumed her duties as school counselor for the following group of students: (9-11th: Maz – Ol & 12th: Meb - Or)
In addition, we are very thankful to be able to continue to work with Sylvia Headen, who has transitioned to being the long-term substitute counselor for Tracy Hartley’s caseload: (9-11th: Ton - Z & 12th: Taz - Z)
Lastly, Academic Advising Season has begun. Starting January 2020, students will meet individually with their school counselor to choose their courses for the 2020-21 school year. It is so important that parents and students are informed of their academic options. Families are encouraged to talk with current teachers for their recommendations for next school year. This year, students will choose classes via their SIS Student accounts. After the students choose their courses via their accounts they will meet with their counselor to confirm the selections. Parents can always view the course selections via their SIS Parent account. If you do not have an active account, please contact your Sub School to obtain a login.
There are numerous ways to stay informed about course selections and graduation requirements which include:
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Days of Academic Emphasis are held the first week in January. Teachers spend approximately 10-15 minutes talking with students about course options for the following year in their content area.
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Curriculum Night will be January 9, at Fairfax High School. This is a chance for parents and students to come talk to teachers about courses available, homework expectations, reading materials required,
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Course Selection Fair will take place during the school day for students on January 10. Students will be required to visit four course presentations to learn more about the elective course options, homework requirements and materials needed for the course.
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Teacher Feedback Days Teachers individually engage each student and share a recommendation/assessment regarding the student’s readiness for the next course in that subject area.
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Rising Rebels Middle School Day will take place on January 16. Fairfax staff will present options to rising 9th graders.
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Academy Open Houses are offered in January, please click here to access the academy websites for more information.
The goal of all of these activities is to ensure that our students are making the best decisions when it comes to course selections. It is not easy to go through a schedule change so it is extremely important for students to choose wisely and be informed about their decisions. After June 12, Fairfax Student Services cannot honor any requests to change elective courses so it vital that students choose wisely.
Laura Rotella, Director of Student Services
 Indoor Track Team Places 2nd!
Our indoor track team placed 2nd out of 65 schools at the DCIAA Invitational track meet last weekend at Prince Georges Sportsplex in Landover, MD. Senior Marcus Dropik led the team scoring by winning the high jump, 400m run and 800m run. He combined with seniors Joe Burton and Alex Peters and junior Niam Indugula to place 3rd in the 4x400m relay. Noah Corpuz finished 6th in the long jump, Sam Brown placed 8th in the 1600, and Rachel Wilson finished 2nd in the girls 400.
Above is a picture of our boys track team receiving 2nd place trophy this weekend!
DECA is teaming up with AT&T to challenge and empower teens to prevent cyber bullying through digital citizenship and positive messaging. Fairfax High School DECA members, Abby Garcia and Elle McNally see below) used their marketing skills to plan and execute the Later-Haters campaign to raise awareness and to encourage students to take the pledge to end cyber bullying and inspire change in the community and throughout the cyber world. Anyone can take the pledge through this link: https://later-haters.att.com
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Abby Garcia and Elle McNally. |
Abby and Elle inspired their classmates to spread positivity. Over thirty students used their leadership skills to lead various activities in school and around the community to encourage students to sign the pledge. All 231 DECA members have signed the pledge, created signs, designed a message to be included in bathroom stalls and created banners with positive messages. It has been exciting to see other groups in the school respond to this campaign and expand the reach.
 The GSA Alliance Positivity Project
Our GSA club took part in a lock-in on December 10. The goal of the project was to spread messages of love, positivity, and inspiration to the student body and the staff of FHS. The messages were put up around the school, on lockers, in the pit, etc.
The sponsor, Julia Lawther, hoped that if nothing else, they could make people smile and start their day off on a positive note! Co-sponsor, Dr. Vanessa Rutherford, said she was so happy to be part of this positivity project. It was awesome to hear the students' reactions the next day!
Fairfax High School Science Fair Judges
We are looking for professionals to help judge the Fairfax High School Science Fair on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 . Judges will be needed from 7:30 AM until about 11 AM. We are looking for professionals to judge in the following subject areas
- Biomedical & Health Sciences
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Earth Sciences & Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Sciences
- Microbiology
- Physics & Astronomy
- Plant Sciences
We accept all levels of expertise and experience! If you’ve never judged before that is ok--- we will help guide you! Feel free to pass this information on to family members, friends or coworkers!
If you’re interested in helping us please submit your information using the following link
https://forms.gle/pBVkyQw2KgfJ2dq39
You can also email Michelle Gilligan (Science Fair Director) at mpgilligan@fcps.edu to register to judge or if you have any questions.
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