Principal Updates - August 22

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Important Dates 

August 22: First Day of School 

September 1: Cougar Kickoff

September 2: No School

September 5: No School, Labor Day 

September 8: Back to School Curriculum Website published 

September 26: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday, Religious & Cultural Observance Day - Rosh Hashanah

September 30: Homecoming Football Game

October 1: Homecoming Dance 

October 5: No School, Religious & Cultural Observance Day - Yom Kippur

October 10: Student Holiday/Staff Development Day - Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 12: PSAT/SAT Day (10th-12th Grade) 

October 24: No School, Religious & Cultural Observance Day - Diwali

October 28: End of 1st Quarter; 2 Hour Early Release

October 31: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday - Happy Halloween 

Welcome back to the start of the new school year!  It was great to see our students in the hallways and classrooms!  We are looking forward to a wonderful school year. 

Back to School Information

Back to School Information

All of our back to school information is available on our website!   It was great to see so many new and familiar faces at our Open House Events.  We hope to see you again at our Cougar Kickoff on September 1.  

Kiss and Ride Traffic

This year our traffic patterns have changed.  All kiss and ride traffic will enter through the same entrance (near the softball field).  Parents will then travel all the way to the end and make a left passing in front of Door 1.  Parents are asked to continue all the way down to Door 3 and drop off students there.  That allows the maximum number of cars on campus and will create the most efficient traffic pattern.  Once dropped off, students may enter the building at Doors 3, 4, or 5 which are closest to the vast majority of classrooms at Oakton High School.  The following doors will be open for students at drop off: Doors: 1-7 and Door 17.  The other doors to the building will remain locked.  If you are dropping off after 8:10am, students will be able to access the building at Doors 1 and 7 by hitting the door bell and waiting to be buzzed in by the main office. 

Crossing Guard

During the renovation, we were provided with a police officer to assist at our four-way stop entrance/exit due to the severe limitations of our campus access.  However, with the renovation coming to a close we no longer have access to a police officer to assist with the four way stop.  The primary charge of a crossing guard is to ensure safe passage of students across the street.  She will be doing limited traffic direction. 

Back to School Curriculum Website - September  8, 2022

On Thursday, September 8 we will launch our Back to School Curriculum website.  This will include a formal video presentation from each teacher that will outline for their course: 

  • An overview of the curriculum 
  • A review of any pertinent classroom procedures/routines
  • An explanation of grading and assessment
  • An explanation of how students can access work from an absence 

This allows families to review presentations at the date/time that is suitable for them and ensures that everyone is able to access information for all of their child's courses with no conflicts.  

FCPS Updated Cell Phone Policy 

An important update made to the Student Rights & Responsibilities document (SR&R) for the coming school year is the regulation to prohibit cell phone use in classrooms. Students will not be permitted to use their cell phones during class unless permitted by the teacher for instructional purposes. We acknowledge this new policy will be a shift for many students and families this year, but research shows that managing phone use during class time will support students’ attention and ability to fully engage in their learning.  Schools are partnering with parents to have students understand the importance of putting their phones away to minimize distractions during class.  Please talk to your child(ren) before the start of the school year about these expectations for this upcoming school year.  Families may also review the parental controls available for all iPhone and Android users.

Laptop Distribution

Students should have received their laptop during their advisory class today.  If a student has an issue with their laptop, our technology specialists will be available  during all lunches to assist.  If a student was absent, they should first check with their advisory teacher and then go to the Technology Office, room 2410.  

Back to School Events

PTSA News and Information

Oakton Pantry

Welcome back, Cougars! The Pantry (room 1213) is available to all Oakton students and their families in need. 

ITEMS AVAILABLE: 

* non-perishable food such as cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, pasta, mac 'n cheese, fruit cups, and canned tuna and chicken

* feminine hygiene products (pads)

* household supplies such as laundry detergent, paper towels, and toilet paper

* personal hygiene items such as shampoo, deodorant, body wash, lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes

* school supplies including backpacks, notebooks, spirals, folders, pencils, and pens 

HOW TO SHOP:

* Open shopping time: the Pantry holds open shopping time on Thursdays from 2:55 - 3:30 PM -- no appointment needed, just stop by.  

* Curbside grocery pick-up: we offer curbside pick-up of pre-packed groceries outside of Door 4 on Thursdays, from 3:30 - 4 PM.

* By appointment: students are welcome to reach out to their counselor to arrange a specific time to pick up food during the school day.

*Snack packs: breakfast and lunch/dinner snack packs are stocked in all teacher workrooms and the front office. Students can request a snack pack from their teacher or their counselor.

* E-mail: students and families can send an email to ohsfood@gmail.com to request help. 

HOW TO DONATE:

* Donated items can be brought to the front office any time during school hours. To see a list of our most-needed items, please visit our website at oaktonpantry.com. We no longer use an Amazon wish list.

* We also accept monetary donations. Please make checks payable to OHS PTSA and write PANTRY DONATIONS on the memo line.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER:

* Pantry Club: students are welcome to join our Pantry Club. For more information and to sign up, please send an email to oaktonpantryclub@gmail.com.

* Parents and community members: We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from working at the school to helping occasionally from home. For more information, please send an email to oaktonpantry@gmail.com.

Giant Food Bloomin' 4 Good Program

This month the Oakton Pantry is the beneficiary of the Giant Food Bloomin' 4 Good Program.  For each specially marked $12.99 bouquet of flowers sold, the Oakton Pantry will be donated $1.00.  This is for the entire month of August at the Giant Food located at 9400 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax, VA.  

Pantry Logo

Health and Wellness

Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911

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. 

Translate our Website 

Our Oakton HS website can be translated into multiple languages!  To do this you will see a globe, flags and the word "language" in the top left corner of our website.  Click there and you will be able to select your preferred language.  

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