FCHS News & Announcements - 8/16/21

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/16/2021 04:01 PM EDT
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Important Dates

  • 8/17 - Jaguar Kickoff/Open House/Orientation (4:00 - 7:00 pm, see announcement below)
  • 8/17-8/20 - Senior Portraits (see announcement below)
  • 8/23 - First day of school
  • 9/1 - Back to School Night
  • 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

Emergency Care Updates Now in ParentVUE

Parents can update their student’s emergency care information online using weCare@school (weCare) which is now linked within SIS ParentVUE.  Learn more about weCare and ParentVUE here.

Senior Portraits

Postcards from Lifetouch/Prestige Portraits with information about senior portraits were mailed last week, but we’ve heard that several of you haven’t yet received them.  Please know that your senior may schedule an appointment now at https://prestigeportraits.com.  There’s no need to wait for the mailing to arrive.  Your student will simply utilize the “Search by City & State” feature, select Falls Church High School, enter first and last name, and hit “Schedule Your Appointment.” (a sample of the postcard that went out that has some additional info about pricing can be found below)

This initial round of senior portraits will take place August 17th (Tuesday) – 20th (Friday) from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at FCHS in cafeteria B.  (NOTE:  Please do not arrive without scheduling your appointment in advance.)

Make-Up Dates in October

If your senior is unable to take his/her portraits on one of these dates, no need to worry.  Lifetouch/Prestige Portraits will return to FCHS October 12th – 14th for make-up portraits.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.  Go Jags!

Sincerely,

Dan O'Neil

Yearbook Advisor

portraits

Digital Consent - Action Requested

Our teachers use a variety of engaging digital tools to support student learning. As part of our commitment to protect student data, FCPS is required to secure parental permission for student use of software/applications for which FCPS does not have a confidentiality agreement. 

For ease of access, an online process has been developed to collect this information digitally and provide school-based reporting. 

Please click here to learn more about the tools we use and to complete the parental consent form for your student.

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 has been 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.

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.