FCHS News & Announcements - 8/9/21

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/09/2021 02:34 PM EDT
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Important Dates

  • 8/10-8/12 - Jaguar Jumpstart
  • 8/17 - Jaguar Kickoff/Open House/Orientation (4:00 - 7:00 pm, see announcement below)
  • 8/17-8/20 - Senior Portraits
  • 8/23 - First day of school
  • 9/3 - Holiday
  • 9/6 - Holiday
first day

Jaguar Kickoff/Open House

FCHS will be hosting Jaguar Kickoff/Open House on Tuesday, August 17th, from 4:00 - 7pm. This event is open to all FCHS students/families with a special focus on our 9th grade, 10th grade and new/transfer students. Please join us to celebrate a return to 5 days of in-person instruction and learn more about FCHS.

  • Students and families will hear from our administrative and student services teams.
  • Students will have the opportunity to walk their schedules and explore the school building.
  • Representatives from student activities as well as numerous community organizations will be available to share information and answer questions.
  • The FCHS Athletic Boosters will be present with FCHS merchandise for sale.
  • Please join us to cheer on our Volleyball team in their scrimmage match beginning at 7:15pm.
jaguar kickoff

Health & Safety Guidance

FCPS has updated its health and safety guidance for SY 21-22. Click here to review the updated guidance. Key updates include:

  • Universal masking for fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated staff, students, and visitors
  • Physical distancing changes due to the prioritized need to offer in-person instruction to all students
  • Layered prevention strategies – situation specific
  • Parental Guardian Health Screening Commitment Form – discontinued

Bus Stop and Route Information

Bus stops and route information will be shared with families via the ParentVue accounts on August 10. All staff and students riding a bus will be required to wear a mask. For more information about bus transportation, including how to access the Bus Delay Notification System, visit the Transportation page.

Schoology

FCPS transitioned to a new learning management system called Schoology over the summer. Students, families, and staff will begin using the system as we Return Strong this fall.

Click HERE for a list of short videos that will help you learn how to navigate Schoology.

Cultural Observances and Religious Holidays

The Fairfax County School Board voted to approve a calendar for the 2021-22 School Year that is designed to recognize, respect, and honor the plurality of religious and cultural observances in Fairfax County. The calendar ensures students will not have to make choices between honoring their cultural or religious beliefs and missing a test or school activity. 

On the 15 observance days listed below, FCHS will not schedule tests or quizzes. Tests and quizzes will be given before any of these days, so students are not expected to study on the observance day. 

In addition, FCHS will not schedule events including field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS- scheduled athletic events on any of the 15 observance days. 

The calendar recognizes 15 diverse religious and cultural observances including:

  • Eid al-Adha
  • Rosh Hashanah 
  • Yom Kippur
  • Día de los Muertos
  • Diwali
  • Bodhi Day
  • Three Kings Day/Epiphany
  • Orthodox Christmas
  • Orthodox Epiphany
  • Lunar New Year
  • Ramadan
  • Good Friday
  • Theravada
  • Orthodox Good Friday/Last Night of Passover
  • Eid al-Fitr 

The 2021-22 calendar also separates spring break from any religious or cultural observances.

Immunizations

There is a new immunization requirement for rising 12th graders for the 2021-2022 school year.  Effective July 1, 2021 all students entering twelfth grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) administered at age 16 or older, and prior to the beginning of school.  Twelfth grade students cannot begin school in August without proper Meningococcal documentation. 

Please provide one of the following documents to Falls Church High School as soon as possible:

  • An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine at age 16 or older.
  • A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given at age 16 or older.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf

Immunizations are available from your student's healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department clinic locations and hours are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/school or by calling 703-246-2411.

Please contact Suzanne Lokke at 703-207-4067 if you have any questions.

Useful Links/Information

FCPS Return to School

FCPS Health & Safety Guidance Document

FCPS Cares

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.