Important Dates
- 12/17-12/18 - Schoolwide Catch Up Days
- 12/17 - PTSA Meeting (7:00 pm)
- 12/21-1/1 - Winter Break (FCHS Offices Closed)
- 1/18 - Holiday
- 1/20 - Holiday
- 1/22 - End of 2nd Quarter (2-Hr. Early Release)
Attendance Matters
Attendance drives everything! It is tied to almost every aspect of school performance and future outcomes. Please visit the Falls Church High School website attendance page for updated policies and procedures.
A note about Monday attendance:
Please remember that while there is no bell schedule on Mondays, attendance is still required. Students are responsible for logging in to their 4th period/Advisory teacher’s Google Classroom and completing the Google attendance form posted by the teacher between 8:10 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. in order to be marked present.
Consider these important and interesting facts about attendance:
- Half of students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- Research shows that missing 10% of the school year (about 18 days total) negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month, and that’s known as chronic absenteeism.
- Students who are chronically absent are over 7 times more likely to drop out.
Avoid absences unless absolutely necessary!
Planning for In-Person Return in January
For FC students that have elected to return to in-person instruction in January.
Please take a moment to complete the quick survey regarding HOW your student plans on getting to school and whether they will access the school lunch. This will help us determine how to best serve your needs.
Thank you in advance for taking a moment to complete this before Wednesday, December 16, 2020! Please complete for each individual child that attends Falls Church HS and only for those that confirmed in July or November that they are returning for in-person.
Kudos...
To Jan Rayl (Falls Church Academy) for receiving the Region 2 “CARES of the Month” for November 2020!
Ms. Rayl works with the Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing FCPS Program as an instructor in the Intro to Nursing and Patient Care Technician classes. She is also a registered nurse. She volunteered her time to participate in West Springfield High School's first VIRTUAL Career Fair by creating a video for students to see about working in the health care industry. Her video was fantastic. I have had the opportunity to see her teach before when I visited her program with a student. As an instructor, she is knowledgeable and kind. I often tell students who are interested in these classes how wonderful she is. She was also one of the first teachers to go back into the building with students since the COVID-19 closures. She is an amazing resource and FCPS is lucky to have her.
And...to this year's Outstanding FC Employees!
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Celebrating our Students!
Here is this week’s installment of our weekly recognition of students who are demonstrating excellence in academics, behavior or citizenship.
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Abigail Vernom - Shout out to Abigail for helping me everyday! She helps the other students on a daily basis. Always show up with her smiling face. Helpful and giving in every way. She took EMT last year and is retaking it so she can pass her NREMT certification. Very dedicated young lady. She is also very active in the Police Cadet program. She spells success! – Penny Kelly
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Dakota Akawie - Dakota has been incredibly enthusiastic and a spark for fellow classmates. Whenever asked, Dakota has consistently assisted fellow classmates in classwork and has taken a leadership position in the class and Dakota has provided information to other classmates about extra curricular activities such as the Fairfax County Police Department Cadet Program. Most of all, Dakota is a joy to have in class and Dakota's spirit carries over to the rest of the class.- David Papazian
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Kevin Melgar – Kevin is a student who brings positivity and encouragement to the learning environment in the English 9 class. He completes his assignments ahead of the scheduled dates and is ready to move to the next unit or assignment. He motivates and supports his colleagues by responding in the chat and via the mic. The insights he shares inform and enrich the rest of the class discussion. Kevin epitomizes the best of what the Jaguar Spirit inspires in all of us. – Dr. Seme
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Luis Meza Cardona - Luis has struggled very hard to learn the basics of the English language. He has consistently attended class despite multiple challenges. My hat is off to him. Luis deserves recognition for mere moxy. – Martha Moses
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Steven Vu, Melissa Russo, Matthew Soto, Kenny Phan, Rachel Hirz, Olivia Lang, Qarshi Ghedi and Noah Bourdouane - These students have participated in office hours to help them gain better understanding of the independent study project. I appreciate the effort they are making, and I have enjoyed the conversations with them. – Naomi Petko
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FCHS "Catch Up Days"
FCPS has directed all schools to designate two “Catch Up Days” on their school calendars. Based on consultation with the Administrative and Instructional Leadership Teams, FCHS' “Catch Up Days” will be Thursday, December 17th (Green Day) and Friday, December 18th (White Day).
The intent of these days is to provide students the opportunity to complete previously assigned work, including missed assignments/assessments and/or previously assigned longer term assignments that have not yet reached the due date. Teachers will provide no new instruction or assessments on these days.
These will be synchronous instruction days. All students will follow their regular schedule and attendance will be taken. Teachers will be available to provide students support during each class period.
We hope this opportunity provides students additional time to complete outstanding work so that they can maximize rest and relaxation over winter break.
From FCHS Journalism
The Jagwire Online
While the Journalism class is not publishing a physical paper right now, students are still reporting and writing articles. So make sure to check out The Jagwire online!
Blackboard Updates
Friday, December 18 at 5:00 to Monday, December 21 at 6:00 am ParentVue and StudentVue will not be available.
Blackboard Learn will not be available due to an upgrade cycle during this time.
Show Your Jag Pride - New Spirit Wear Shopping Options!
Starting to think about holiday shopping? Want to participate in Spirit Fridays but need some new Jag wear? We have THREE ways to help you buy FCHS Spirit Wear:
1) Boosters Square Store (Bit.ly/jaguarspiritwear)
Orders can be picked up locally in Annandale. Detailed instructions are provided for contactless pick up once you submit your order.
2) FCHS Spirit Wear Store here This is where you can find much anticipated items like PAJAMA PANTS, SWEATPANTS and LONG SLEEVED HOODED T-SHIRTS with the NEW FCHS LOGOS. Burke Sporting Goods will ship directly to you or you can pick up at their store location 5616 Ox Road, Suite C, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Alternatively, Lisa Johns has graciously offered to pick up orders once a month. Contact her at FCHSMasks@gmail.com to coordinate pick up arrangements.
Don't forget to participate in the Jaguar of the Week! Submit a photo of yourself wearing your favorite article of FCHS Spirit Wear. Send it to fchsleadership@gmail.com or post it on social media and tag @fchs_leadership. All entries will be automatically entered into a monthly raffle for a $20 credit to be used in the Boosters Spirit Wear store (Sorry, the credit cannot be used on Burke Sporting Goods merchandise).
Technology Help @ FCHS
In-person Help: Entrance #2
- Monday thru Friday
- 7:00 am - 8:30 am
- No appointment needed
All other requests, please use the Parent and Student Technology Support portal
Useful Links/Information
FCHS Return to School & Virtual Learning
FCPS Return to School
FCPS Technology Support for Families
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FCPS Cares
Do you know a Falls Church
HS 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.
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