Principal Updates - October 24

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs!   

Important Dates 

October 24: No School, Diwali

October 25: Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation, 6:30pm 

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

October 31: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday - Happy Halloween

November 1-2: Religious & Cultural Observance School Days, Dia De Los Muertos

November 8: Election Day, No School 

November 11: Veterans Day, Student Holiday/School Planning Day 

November 15: Hidden in Plain Sight Parent Presentation 

November 23-25: No School, Thanksgiving Break

General Information

Federal Impact Aid Forms

On Wednesday, October 19, federal impact aid forms were sent home with all students through their 2nd period teacher.  We are asking that all forms be turned in by this Wednesday, October 26.  These forms directly impact funds provided to the school division.  If your child needs a new form, they may visit the Main Office to pick one up.  More information (and blank forms) can be found here.  

Hidden in Plain Sight - Parent Presentation 

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022 we are pleased to host the Fairfax County Police Department to present Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) to our families.  This event will take place in the Oakton High School cafeteria and will run approximately from 6:30pm - 8:45pm.  

The purpose of the program is to educate parents on current trends and signs of risky behavior.  The following behaviors will be included: 

  • Alcohol Use
  • Marijuana
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Over the Counter Drugs
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Mental Health Concerns 
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Other Risky Behaviors

An interactive exhibit will be set up for families to peruse, followed by a presentation and discussion.  

To attend, you are asked to register in advance using this link

Thanksgiving Assistance

Does your family need assistance with a Thanksgiving meal this year? If so, the Pantry can help. Please contact your student's guidance counselor no later than November 2. They will be able to provide further information.

Buy Your Yearbook and Senior Baby Ads Today

Yearbooks and senior baby ads are on sale now! Last year the yearbook sold out, so don’t risk it – buy early! Yearbooks are currently $67 for the base package, and senior baby ads come in a variety of sizes and prices. To buy a yearbook and/or a baby ad, visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 4770! Questions? Email jsmorrison@fpcs.edu.

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2022-2023 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.  

All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed. 

Dates 2022-2023 

  1. Tuesday, October 25, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  2. Wednesday, January 18, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  3. Monday, March 27, 6:30pm in the Auditorium
  4. Monday, May 15, 6:30pm in the Auditorium

These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education.

PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.

Testing Updates

AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students

If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $96. You can use this google form to register or paper copy on our website. Students currently enrolled in an AP course are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any form. The deadline to register is October 28th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.

My School Bucks Link

Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact Assistant Principal Martha Rodeheaver at myrodeheaver@fcps.edu.

AP Testing Opt-Out Letters

As part of the FCPS FY 2022 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP/IB tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). AP students must make Opt-Out decisions in October 2022 and parents will be billed a $96 non-refundable test fee in December 2022 for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests. 

Oakton students received their opt-out letters on Tuesday, October 4. All Opt-Outs are due by Tuesday, October 26. If students need a new Opt-Out form they can see Mrs. Hendelman in school counseling.

Oakton information will continue to be posted on our AP Exam page here: https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/ap-exams

Student Services Updates 

Student Services Newsletter

Happy Fall Cougars!  Check out October’s Student Services Newsletter that includes information about upcoming parent and student events as well as highlights the month’s activities with wellness initiatives, Senior Parent Night, Freshman Parent Night and important testing updates. 

Community Book Club

Greetings Oakton Parents and Guardians!  Oakton Student Services is excited to announce our community book club.  Our first read will be, How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Harris.  "In How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims draws on research, on conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers, and on her own insights as a mother and as a student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. While empathizing with the parental hopes and, especially, fears that lead to overhelping, Lythcott-Haims offers practical alternative strategies that underline the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop the resilience, resourcefulness, and inner determination necessary for success.” (Amazon)

We anticipate beginning in mid-October through mid-January.  We will then discuss the book as a group with an in-person conversation led by School Social Worker, Rachel Cherian. 

To kick off the Book Club, the first 25 families that register will receive a free copy of the book, one book per family.  

If interested, please register  here for planning purposes.  More information will be sent mid-October.  

Questions?  Please reach out to School Social Worker, Rachel Cherian, at rjcherian@fcps.edu.  

Student Yoga Sessions

Throughout the year, Oakton will offer yoga sessions during return periods for students to relax and reenergize.

Upcoming Yoga Dates

October 25

November 1 & 28

December 6

January 10 & 31

February 14 & 21

March 6 & 20

April 17 & 24

May 22

June 6

Underclassmen Academic Awards Celebration

November 3 during 3rd period

On Thursday, November 3, Oakton will recognize 835 students who have earned an Academic Award. Academic Awards are based on last year’s high school GPA (4.0 and higher). First time award recipients will receive an academic letter and a pin. Returning recipients will receive a pin to be placed on the academic letter they received in a previous year. Recipients will receive an invitation to this event on Monday, October 3 via email. This is a student only event.

National Merit Commended & Semifinalist Ceremony

November 10th during return period

On Thursday, November 10, Oakton will recognize 76 students who have been recognized by College Board as a National Merit Commended student and 11 students who have qualified as a Semifinalist.  These students participated in a nationwide competition conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corp., by taking the PSAT last October. 50,000 highest scorers nationwide qualified for this designation and of those high scorers, 16,000 were designated Semifinalists. Recipients will receive an invitation to this event on Tuesday, October 11 via email. This is a parent and designated student only event.

Schedule Changes

Open schedule change requests are now paused until the end of first quarter.  At that time, we will consider schedule changes again if there is a demonstrated need.  

Service Learning Updates 

Service Learning Enrichment Opportunities

In an effort to highlight enrichment experiences that can connect service learning for students, FCPS has put together a brief one page document with various enrichment experiences. All of these experiences are posted in the Naviance Enrichment Database, but we also wanted to highlight them for our community in case any students might be interested.

Service Learning and X2VOL

All students at Oakton are encouraged to use X2VOL via their Naviance account to record and continue to record all Service Learning completed throughout the school year. Students may access information and help for X2VOL via Naviance using the following link https://help.x2vol.com/knowledge/for-naviance-schools

Health and Wellness Updates

Health and Safety Guidance Document 

The FCPS Health and Safety guidance document has been updated for this school year. Please see this site for more information.

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

Safety and Security Updates

Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or ombudsman@fcps.edu

PTSA News & Information 

PTSA Membership Meeting

The PTSA Membership meeting was held on October 19 in the Oakton HS library at 7:00pm.  Please join us at the next PTSA meeting on November 16, 2022, there will be a speaker about Domestic Violence.  

Staff Appreciation Breakfasts

Each month the PTSA strives to host a staff appreciation breakfast.  The PTSA is in need of donations to start this initiative for the year.  Donations can be food the day of the event, or money to purchase the food.  Please contact the PTSA for any questions or donation inquiries.  (Oakton PTSA President - Thoraia Hussein: Oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com) 

Mini-Grant Applications

The Oakton PTSA is pleased to announce the opening for mini grant fall applications. Staff and student groups can apply now. Please follow the instructions on the PTSA website.  https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/

All applications are due Tuesday, November 1.  

Please Join the PTSA

Visit the Oakton PTSA website to learn more about how the PTSA supports the school and information on membership.  https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/ 

Class of 2023 All Night Grad Party (ANGP) – Volunteers Needed!

The purpose of ANGP is to provide Oakton HS graduates with a safe, drug-free, and alcohol-free event to celebrate the night of their graduation. Traditionally the party usually starts around 10 PM and lasts until 3 – 4 AM. The party is held at a location such as Launch Trampoline Park and features food, games, prizes, entertainment and more. Planning the party is a committee effort and we need volunteers!

Ideally the committee is comprised of parents with students in all grades, that way a steady stream of volunteers know how to plan the party in future years and senior parents aren’t trying to juggle the party and their own family plans graduation weekend. If you volunteer when your child is a freshman, sophomore, or junior, you will appreciate having someone else step forward when your own student is graduating!

We need help with all aspects of party planning, from logistics to fundraising, booking vendors, coming up with a theme, confirming the location, and ticket sales.

If you’d like to help, please send an email to 2023angp@gmail.com.

Oakton Pantry 

The Pantry is celebrating its 6th anniversary!  The past 6 years have shown us the overwhelming generosity that is the hallmark of the Oakton community.  Simply put, the Pantry wouldn't exist without the donors who ensure our shelves are stocked, the school staff members who support our students in need, and the student and community volunteers who keep Pantry operations running smoothly.  

Thank you to everyone who helps make the Pantry such a success!

The winter season is an especially busy time for the Pantry.  We will be coordinating our Thanksgiving meal distribution in November and our Holiday Wish List and Grocery Distribution in December.  Please look for the Sign Up Genius link to donate a Thanksgiving meal in next week's Principal Updates.

We are seeing a record number of students visit the Pantry on a weekly basis and we continue to rely on the community for donations.  To see a list of our regularly needed items, please copy and paste this link: https://oaktonpantry.com/needed-items.  Donations can be dropped off at the main office (Door 1) any time during school hours.  We also enjoy working with neighborhoods, clubs, teams, and organizations interested in doing a food drive.

For any questions about the Pantry, please send an email to oaktonpantry@gmail.com

Pantry Logo

Parent Resources

Parent Information Line 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

Parent Resource Center 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students.  This includes monthly workshops and webinars.  More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.  

Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day

Paige is a happy kid with a unique fashion sense and creative imagination. Despite being bullied because of the things that make her different, she enjoys using her creativity to entertain her family and friends with stories in which she and her dog, Peppermint, are Super Heroes who always save the day!

Join us as the authors, Nalani Butler and Leila Butler, read Paige Saves the Day and share their experiences with families.

Children are welcome to join with their families for this very special webinar and book reading.

October 27, 2022 7-8 p.m.

Register for the Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day

Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes 

Part #1: Manejar los momentos estresantes de la vida 28/10/22 at 10 a.m.

  • ¿Qué es estrés? 
  • Diferencia entre estrés agudo y estrés crónico. 
  • Síntomas del estrés en adultos. 
  • Cómo los síntomas del estrés afectan las habilidades de crianza. 
  • Síntomas del estrés en niños . 
  • Cómo el estrés afecta el rendimiento escolar en los niños. 

 
Part #2: Estrategias de manejo del estrés 16/12/22 at 10 a.m. 

  • ¿Qué es el autocuidado? 
  • ¿Por qué es importante el autocuidado? 
  • Cómo practicar el autocuidado. 
  • Técnicas de relajación 
  • Gestión del tiempo 

Part #3: Apoyando a sus hijos durante tiempos estresantes  17/3/23 at 10 a.m.

  • Construyendo Resiliencia 
  • Reestructurando nuestro pensamiento 
  • Cómo reparar la relación con nuestros hijos.

Presented by: 

  • Aynalem (Nalem) Valdes, MS.Residente en Consejería de Salud Mental en Servicios Familiares del Norte de Virginia, Centro Multicultural  
  • Ana Stevenson, MS. Trabajadora Social Clínica Licenciada en Servicios Familiares del Norte de Virginia ,Centro Multicultural 

Registro Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes

Nontraditional Families: Fostering Resilience and Inclusivity While Welcoming and Affirming All Families

November 3, 2022, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Welcoming nontraditional families into authentic partnerships takes effort and can reap great rewards. Nontraditional families include those with parents, caregivers, or youth who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those formed through foster care, adoption, and kinship care by grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends.

Join Dr. Kelly Henderson, Executive Director of Formed Families Forward, for this important webinar.

Highlights include:

  • Identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by nontraditional families raising children and youth, including those with special needs.
  • Practicing effective communication strategies between families and school partners to increase comfort and inclusivity for students and families.
  • Collaboratively strategizing and planning supports for adults (families, caregivers, teachers, and support staff), while boosting personal resilience as they face stressful circumstances.

Register for Nontraditional Families: Fostering Resilience and Inclusivity While Welcoming and Affirming All Families 

Where to Start: Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has Cancer

November 4, 2022, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, this presentation will provide information and guidance on how to support your children throughout the cancer journey. 

Webinar Highlights:

  • How to have open communication about cancer with your children
  • Strategies to use in the home to help your children adjust to changes
  • Activities that the entire family can use to support each other

Presented by Jemma Stratton, MSW Pediatric Oncology Clinical Therapist I, Supervisee of Social Work, Life with Cancer, Family Center

Register for Where to Start: Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has Cancer 

Moving On to Life in the Community: Resource Fair

Thursday, November 10, 2022,  6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center – Room 1000 A&B

Once students with significant disabilities graduate, they may require additional, ongoing support in the areas of residential, leisure, recreation, independent living, advocacy, and more.

This event will include:

  • various support programs in the community available to students.
  • A brief presentation about FCPS transition services and the bridge to adult services
  • An exhibitor/vendor fair.

Designed to assist parents, guardians, and caretakers with future planning for students with disabilities who may require ongoing supports after graduating from high school. 

Register online for Moving On To Life in The Community: Resource Fair

(Hosted by FCPS Career and Transition Services) 

Everything You Need to Know About Opioids

Thursday, November 10, 2022, 10-11:30 a.m.

Join us for this important webinar designed to inform and raise awareness about the dangers of children and adolescents using and overdosing on opioids. This webinar is for adults only due to the content.

Webinar Highlights:

  • How young people are getting drugs
  • Opioid risk, misuse, withdrawal, and overdose symptoms
  • The dangers of Fentanyl 
  • Naloxone and how it works

Presented by Tiffany Jones, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist 

Register for Everything You Need to Know About Opioids 

Bullying Prevention

November 18, 2022 10:30* a.m. - noon (*note the time change)

FCPS is deeply committed to creating a safe and positive school environment where all students can learn. Through school-wide positive behavior approaches and participation in K-12 health and guidance lessons, students are taught to behave respectfully and to resolve conflicts in positive ways. 

The Bullying Prevention Webinar seeks to educate listeners on the following:

  • FCPS definition of bullying
  • Types of bullying
  • Differences between bullying and other forms of inappropriate behavior
  • How FCPS responds to allegations of bullying
  • How parents and schools can work together to prevent bullying

Presenters: 

  • Stefan Mascoll: Coordinator Student Safety and Wellness, Fairfax County Public Schools
  • Joan Lee: Educational Specialist, School Counseling Services, Fairfax County Public Schools

Register for Bullying Prevention

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 

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