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Upcoming Events
October 7: FHS Pyramid Night Tailgate, 5:30-6:30pm; Food Trucks and Games before 7pm Football Game
October 8: Marching Band Competition, Oakton HS; performance time 3:45pm
October 8: FHS Crew Informational Family Picnic and Open Boathouse, 12-2pm @ Sandy Run Regional Park (rescheduled from 10/1)
October 10: Indigenous Peoples Day, Student Holiday, Staff Development Day
October 12: FHS PSAT/SAT Testing day for 10th, 11th, and pre-registered 12th; No School for 9th and most 12th.
October 16: College Fair @ GMU, 4pm-7pm
October 17: Community Conversation with Dr. Reid, 6:30pm @ FHS; enter at Door 23
October 18: PTSA Meeting, FHS Library @ 7pm
October 19: ANG Meeting, FHS Library @ 7pm
October 20: Freshman Parents Night Out, 6:15pm and Angst Movie/Panel, FHS Auditorium @ 7pm
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Included in this issue:
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminder: Indigenous Peoples' Day, Monday Oct. 10
- LGBTQIA+ History Month
- Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Deadline
- Attendance Checkout Procedures
- Parent Support Group Meetings
- Important Information about Rainbow Fentanyl
- Region 5 Virtual Family Substance Use Education Night
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Military Families Community Conversation with Dr. Reid
- "Recent Works" Art Show
- College Fair & Post-Secondary Week
- News from the Athletic Dept.
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Crew Info Picnic - New Date!
- Raffle Winners!
- Earth without ART is "Eh"
- "Angst" Screening and Panel Discussion
- The Parent Project
- College Fair and Postsecondary Week
- One-Day Drama Camp, November 8th
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Principal Aye with some of our students at our recent Academic Lettering event. There were 555 students who earned a 3.8 or higher GPA during the 2021-22 school year!
October 7, 2022
This week my lion heart was elated as we celebrated 555 Lions who earned their academic letter. The cafeteria was all the buzz as students were recognized for their hard academic work and success in all their classes. We look forward to watching this number grow next year as we continue to promote the gains of our students and celebrate each academic excellence.
I will be sending out bi-weekly progress reminders to all of our Lion family who may need some additional support or the opportunity for re-mastery and re-takes to ensure learning success. Remember our goal is to ensure every student, every strength, every day is elevated and celebrated. We want to emphasize the many resources the school offers. These resources include: Lion Time intervention, the Learning Lounge (each Wednesday and Thursday), Tutor.com, and also the opportunity to schedule individual appointments with teachers.
Tonight is all about Fairfax Family, as we host our feeder Pyramid Night and welcome all of our elementary and middle school students to enjoy a Friday night celebration and begin to envision themselves as future lions. One band, one sound, this weekend it is going down at Oakton High as our band will be competing in this area competition. The City of Fairfax will also be hosting their Fall Festival and this is a perfect time to enjoy the community, the season, and the many things there are to love about Fairfax.
In Collaboration and Partnership,
Calendar Reminder: Indigenous Peoples' Day, Monday, October 10
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 10, is a student holiday (no school for students only) and staff development day.
Visit this site to learn more about the cultural heritage of Fairfax County. Read this story in Smithsonian Magazine for ideas on how to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
LGBTQIA+ History Month
LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation. Visit FCPS' website for resources and support.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals is Thursday, October 6. A new application must be submitted every school year. In addition to qualifying for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, approved students may qualify for benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, FCPS class fees, and Parktakes classes. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced-Price Meal application numbers.
If you have questions or need assistance with the Free and Reduced-Price Meals application, please visit this FRM website or contact the front office of your school.
Important info from the Attendance Office
Parents and families, if you know in advance that you will need to check your student out in the afternoon, please plan to do so before 2:30pm to allow ample time to locate your student before our regular school dismissal time.
You can find all our attendance information on the school website here:
Fairfax HS Attendance Policies & Procedures. The attendance office can be reached at 703-219-2224, or -2227.
Questions or concerns regarding attendance, please reach out to our Dean of Students, Bruni Herring, bsherring@fcps.edu. Thank you for your cooperation in helping our students be successful!
Parent Circle Meetings
Want to talk about your 9th grader's transition to FHS? The first quarter crunch? Feel like you don't know other new FHS parents and want to connect around your 9th grade kiddo's needs? Please join Dara Markenson, FHS 8-9th grade Transition School Counselor, and Ashley Curl, School Social Worker, for a support circle to support your child’s first year in high school, and troubleshoot or celebrate anything that comes up!
We have several opportunities to join this group.:
10/11- Virtual Parent Circle at 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, on Zoom
10/26- Parent Circle for Spanish Speaking Families at 8:15 am to 9 am.
11/1- Virtual Parent Circle at 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 pm. On Zoom
11/16- Parent Circle for Spanish Speaking Families 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.
11/17- Parent Circle at 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.
12/1- Parent Circle at 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.
This is a drop-in group and RSVP is required. Space is limited to 20 participants, and a virtual link will be emailed to RSVP’ed participants the Monday before session.
Please RSVP and/or send questions to:
Ashley Curl (amcurl@fcps.edu) or
Dara Markenson (dmmarkenson@fcps.edu).
Important Information on Rainbow Fentanyl
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The DEA has issued a public warning educating the community about rainbow fentanyl. These particular pills are targeted to youth and young adults by its colorful candy-like appearance making them look harmless. Rainbow Fentanyl resembles playground chalk before it is pressed into pills and has been found in 18 states including West Virginia and New York and are sold as low as $17 (Hawaii) per pill making them affordable. In August of 2022 47,000 pills were confiscated at the Arizona border as well as 186,000 “Perc 30’s” or “Blues”, another popular synthetic opioid found in our county.
The trend, as reported by users, is to crush the pills, smoke it off of a piece of aluminum foil, with the theory that it is “safer” than snorting. When burned, it often gives off a distinct odor of burned rubber. While we have not seen Rainbow Fentanyl yet, Perc 30’s or Blues are popular among adolescents and young adults in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. Fentanyl is also found in counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, Xanax, and other licit and illicit drugs.
The Medical Examiner from the Virginia Department of Health recently released its 1st quarter data for 2022 stating 483 people have died from fatal fentanyl overdoses in the state. For Fairfax County data and additional information on youth substance use, please see the Fairfax County Youth Substance Trends webinar linked below.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) provide Tier 1 support throughout FCPS. Each high school pyramid is assigned a SAPS who conducts brief interventions, psychoeducation, and presentations to students, staff, families, and community members. Topics of discussion include alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) as well as current trends on substances. For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support:
De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), MSW
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
dsmcneil@fcps.edu
Sources & Resources:
Region 5 Virtual Family Substance Use Education Night
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Military Families Community Conversation with Superintendent, Dr. Reid, Oct. 13th @ 6:30pm
Please join us for a Superintendent Community Conversation for Military-Connected Families October 13, 2022, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more about Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, and help her get to know our school community and the unique perspective of military-connected families. This hybrid event will be held in the 1st floor cafe at the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church VA 22042. Free parking is available in the underground garage. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as childcare and light refreshments. If you can attend, either in-person or virtually, please register to attend.
"Recent Works" Art Show Oct. 14-15
 Heather Dilatush, our Studio Art Teacher will be showing her paintings and puzzles a in a group show “Recent Works” at the Fairfax Station & Railroad Museum. It is a wonderful show with a nice range of artwork by six artists – paintings, drawings, collage, photography and more. It is Friday, October 14th 4-8pm and Saturday, October 15th 12- 7pm. Even better is that 15% of proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Questions? Email Ms. Dilatush at hldilatush@fcps.edu.
FCPS College Fair and Postsecondary Week
Look to the FUTURE week
Students and their families are inivited to the annual Fairfax County Public Schools College Fair and Postsecondary Week.
- College Fair, Sunday, October 16, 2022, Eagle Bank Arena
- Postsecondary Week, Mon - Thurs, Oct. 17-20, 2022, Virtual, 5-8pm
Students are highly encouraged to register for these free events. Please see this flyer for more information. En Español aquí.
News from the Athletic Dept.
 Senior Josh Duangmanee with Coach Marcus Odell
Congratulations to Senior Josh Duangmanee ~ REGION GOLF CHAMPION! Good luck to Josh who competes in the VHSL State Golf Championship on Monday!
TONIGHT, Friday, October 7th, our Varsity Football team takes on the West Potomac Wolverines ~ Kickoff is at 7pm! It's our Fairfax Pyramid Night for elementary students. The football team is excited to see all of the future LIONS cheer them on in the annual HIGH FIVE TUNNEL. It's going to be a special night!
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Crew Info Picnic - New Date!
- Raffle Winners!
- Earth without ART is "Eh"
- Freshman Parents Night and "Angst" Screening and Panel Discussion
- The Parent Project
- College Fair and Postsecondary Week
- One-Day Drama Camp, November 8th
- Community Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Crew Info Picnic now on October 8th
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The crew picnic scheduled for October 1st is being postponed until October 8th due to Hurricane Ian. It will still be held at Sandy Run Regional Park, from 12pm - 2pm. |
PTSA Membership Raffle:
Final Drawing was 9/28
The final September Membership Raffle winners from the 9/28 drawing are: weeks membership raffle winners are:
- FHS tote bag: Kelley Zelnio
- FHS lanyards: Elizabeth Abreu and Elizabeth Portaluppi
- Nothing Bundt Cake: Patrick Curtin
- FHS mouse pad: Rob Yingling
- FX Players fall play tickets: Mari Benavides
Congratulations to our winners. Please watch you email for information on how to redeem you prize!
Thank you to everyone who joined in recent weeks! Membership is always open and you can join the PTSA at any time on our website here:
PTSA Member Hub. Direct donations help as well, any amount is greatly appreciated to help fund our program and activities for 22-23. Thank you for your consideration! www.fairfaxptsa.org
Earth without ART is "Eh"
Do you enjoy art, music or dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections! Students are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance, choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. Completed works of art are submitted digitally in one (or more) arts categories in response to the selected theme: “Show Your Voice!” Students will participate in the appropriate division: Primary (PreK-grade 2), Intermediate (grades 3-5), Middle (grades 6-8), High School (grades 9-12), and Special Artist (all grades and also identify as having a disability and may receive services).
Explore the arts and express yourself! The deadline for student entries is October 24, 2022. For more information and to submit your art, please contact Del Gann at reflections@ptsa.org
Freshman Parents Night and "Angst" Film
Attention freshman parents, please join us on Thursday, October 20th, from 6:15 p.m. - 6:50 p.m in the FHS Auditorium. Come learn about people you should know, graduation requirements, and tips and suggestions to help your student be successful this school year. All Parents are welcome to join us for a film and panel discussion on anxiety on October 20th from 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. We will watch the documentary, Angst, an IndieFlix Original documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, and parents. After the film, we will have questions for our mental health professional panelists and a short Q&A from the audience. We hope this event will help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety disorders and open up the conversation around mental health.
The Parent Project: Empowering Parents and Transforming Teens
Parents learn and practice specific prevention and intervention strategies to help improve their ability to change challenging behaviors. Learn how to build a positive relationship with your child and stop the arguing. Prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use, disruptive behaviors at home and possible gang affiliation. Improve school attendance and academic performance.
This is a: 10 Week Parent Project Training
Dates: Tuesday, October 11, 2022- December 13, 2022
Class will meet every Tuesday for 10 weeks from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: 1st and 10th Meeting will be held at the Cedar Lane School, 101 Cedar Ln, Vienna, VA 22180. Meetings 2-9 will be held virtually.
REGISTER NOW! Please use the portal link below to register. There is a $30 Material Fee per family. Scholarships available as needed. Parent Project Registration
Contact: Mary Valad (703-426-7332) at mary.valad@fcps.edu or Dianne Stansbery (703-208-2406) at DEStansbery@fcps.edu if you have any questions. Thank you.
Look to the Future!
Students and their families are invited to the annual Fairfax County Public Schools College Fair and Postsecondary Week.
The FCPS College Fair is Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University. The College Fair is designed to connect high school students with opportunities in higher education. It is one of the largest College Fairs in the region. It features nearly 250 colleges and universities from around the nation as well as representatives from the U.S. Service Academies. Each year the College Fair draws thousands of students and their families.
Register at: https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary
Upon registration, students will receive a barcode allowing college representatives to retrieve student information electronically. Barcodes can be scanned from mobile devices.
Each evening from 5 to 8pm, Monday, October 17 through Thursday, October 20, virtual programs will be offered. Participate in one or all of the live virtual sessions to be better prepared for the next chapter of your educational journey. Four nights; six synchronous (live) sessions each night! Join one or all of the synchronous sessions. Register at: https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary More information coming soon
One-Day Drama Camp, November 8, 2022
The FHS Players and FHS Theatre Director, Chris Whitney, invite students in grades 1-8 to attend a one-day drama camp on the FCPS student holiday, Tuesday, November 8th.
- For students in grades 1 - 8
- Cost is $60 per student ($40 for FCPS employees)
- Campers bring a lunch
Please register here: November 8th Drama Camp If you have questions, or you are unable to register online, email fhsdramacamp@gmail.com. This fundraiser supports the Fairfax High School Theatre, the FX Players.
Community Conversations with FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will be hosting Community Conversations across the school division this fall to get to know our communities. Events will be held at the high school in each pyramid through November. The full list of events may be viewed on the FCPS website.
We invite you to attend a Community Conversation with Superintendent Reid at FHS. Interpretation services, childcare, and light refreshments will be provided. The event will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend
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Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax 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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