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Upcoming Events
February 10-11: Fairfax Academy Presents Legally Blonde, The Musical, 7pm Friday; 2pm or 7pm Saturday
February 10: Pyramid Night
February 14: FHS Theatre Spring Musical Auditions: Sister Act
February 15: ANG Silent Auction Opens
February 17: Lions on the Rise Recognition
February 20: President's Day Holiday, No School
February 20: FHS Spring Sports Tryouts
February 21: PTSA Meeting 7pm, FHS Career Center
February 22: ANG Meeting 7pm, FHS Library
February 23: FHS Band Pre-Assessment Concert
February 28: FHS Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert
March 2: 2hr Early Release
March 3: Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday
March 3: ANG Silent Auction Closes
March 6-10: FHS Staff Appreciation Week
March 7: FHS Chorus Pre-Assessment Concert
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Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight!
- Troy Ketch and Lio Quezada Guevara
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminder: Black History Month, President's Day Holiday
- Last weekend of shows for Legally Blonde, The Musical
- Pyramid Night - Tonight!
- FCPS Strategic Planning in 2022-23
- Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
- CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Kindness Spirit Week next week
- News from the Activities Office
- Vote on the next FCPS Purple Up! T-Shirt
- Summer Fun and Learning!
- Career Expo for High School Students
- Interested in being a Tutor?
- Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- FHS Staff Appreciation!
- ANG Silent Auction Coming Soon
- Parent Support Circle
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
Ms. Ayala's classroom creates a culture of community by proudly displaying where students come from.
February 10, 2023
Happy Fairfax Fun Friday! We hope to see you and your family tonight at our Winter Pyramid Basketball Night. This event will be “ROAR”ing with fun for everyone. A culture of community has a direct impact on academic and social success. We were excited to share all the amazing work of our students and staff at the school board meeting this week-highlighting we have supports in place to celebrate-every student, every strength, every day.
This week we promoted our school counseling team and recognized Counselor Appreciation Week. It is important to highlight their work that supports student success. To date, we are celebrating 96 student support referrals, 2000 plus individual student registration meetings, 60 targeted SEL lessons, 15 small group counseling sessions that run monthly, curriculum night, middle school information and elective fair, course previews, college nights, and the list keeps going. We have targeted student groups to offer ALL scholars a variety of support.
This week we celebrate our POG skill of being goal-directed and resilient. Our goal writing competition has kicked off with a strong start and supportive spirit as students and staff are “goal getting”. We can’t wait to see our Lions achieve all plans for success. A dynamic group of goal-directed students were found setting intentions, purpose, and growth targets in their Math class to ensure they master areas of need and also expound upon and share their strengths. In the Strategies for Success class students shred that resilience was connected directly to “putting the first things first” and making a plan to prioritize what matters the most both inside and outside the classroom. In the after school Executive Functioning Academy you found students leaning into their own persistence and organization to ensure they are setting themselves up for academic success with study habits and organizational skills.
On the Rise- Next week is Kindness Spirit Week and we will be highlighting our amazing CTE teachers for CTE Month!
Every Student, Every Strength, Every Day here at Fairfax High.
Yours in partnership,
Celebrating our School Counselors!! Thank you for all you do!
Congratulations to Assistant Principal Troy Ketch (left) who received the Outstanding Leader award for Fairfax HS. As one of his colleagues states, "Mr. Ketch embodies the responsive, caring, and inclusive culture of FCPS. Troy is a visible leader ever present in the hallway, making connections, talking to students, and embodying the ideals of a caring culture." His love of reading is infectious and he is always eager to "discuss books, swap recommendations with colleagues, and even organizes our annual March Book Madness bracket."
History & SS teacher, Lio Quezada Guevara (right) won the Outstanding New Teacher award for Fairfax HS. One colleague writes, "Lio is invested in his students, their stories, and their background, and it is evident in every interaction. I have seen this specifically in his co-taught classes as he works to reach every student and break down barriers that students may face in their learning experience."
We are truly lucky to have such passionate, dedicated professionals in our FHS community!!
Calendar Reminders: Black History Month, President's Day
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History Month.
Presidents Day
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Last shows this weekend! Fairfax Academy Presents: Legally Blonde, The Musical
Buy tickets HERE!
https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15651/fairfax-academy-theatrecommunications-and-the-arts
Pyramid Night - Tonight!
On Friday, February 10 Fairfax High School will host Pyramid Night before and during the boys basketball game.
From 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. there will be games in the auxiliary gymnasium led by student groups and clubs. Families can purchase food at the concession stand and then watch the Fairfax HS Lions take on Alexandria City for their last home game before the district playoffs.
Students will get in free with a paying adult. Students are asked to wear their school spirt wear or wear Fairfax HS royal blue.
The first 100 students will receive a FHS goody bag.
PLEASE ENTER AT DOOR 14, on the back side of the Field House
FCPS Strategic Planning in 2022-23
Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan prior to its completion and formal adoption by the Board. Parents and community members are invited to attend one of the 15 virtual and in-person meetings held in multiple locations throughout the community.
- Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m. (Virtual) Register.
- Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (West Springfield HS) Register.
- Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Hunters Woods ES) Register.
For more information visit the Strategic Planning Process for 2022-23 website. Questions? Email us at strategicplan@fcps.edu.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new Federal Communications Commission program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage for more information.
CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which can help families find no-cost COVID-19 testing sites.
The locator is part of the CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program, which focuses on at-risk communities. Testing is available at pharmacies and other locations and is provided at no cost to individuals with or without health insurance and in areas with an increased demand for testing.
More information via the CDC’s recent announcement is available at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0124-testing.html
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Kindness Spirit Week, Feb 13-17
- Monday, Feb. 13 - Team up for Kindness - Jersey Day
- Tuesday, Feb. 14 - Wear Red or Pink
- Wednesday, Feb. 15 - Wacky Wednesday
- Thursday, Feb. 16 - Kindness Ties us Together - Tie Dye Day
- Friday, Feb. 17 - Pajama Day
News from the Activities Office
Congratulations to our wrestling program who finished in 3rd place in a very competitive Occoquan Region Wrestling Tournament. Special shout outs to the following REGION CHAMPIONS: Eddie Cruz, Matt Gashi-Brito, Alex Belaoula, LorenzoPellot-Vazquez, and Anders Skare. Good luck to everyone at the VHSL state wrestling tournament!
Month of the Military Child - Purple Up! T-Shirt Vote
April is the Month of the Military Child, and Purple Up! Day will be celebrated throughout Virginia on April 19, 2023. Please take a moment to vote for this year's FCPS Purple Up! t-shirt and show your support for military-connected youth by participating in Purple Up! Day! The voting ends Friday, February 17. Let's turn FCPS purple in support of military-connected youth for one day!
Summer Fun and Learning!
FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps are now open for registration. Visit the websites below for more information on schedules and fees. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Career and Technical Education
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM); culinary; health; trades; and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.
Institute for the Arts Camps
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.
Career Expo for High School Students
From February 13-16, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region will be hosting a career fair. Industry experts in multiple fields will be speaking about their professional journeys and providing valuable insights into how to achieve success. Instruction 2 Industry is a live, virtual event that is free to all Northern Virginia high school students. For more information and to register, please visit the Instruction 2 Industry event page.
Targeted and High Impact In-Person Tutoring
The Department of School Improvement and Support (DSIS) is working with principals across the region to best identify where there is the most need for in-person tutoring to benefit students. The district is recruiting qualified tutors who will be matched to schools based on need.
Are You Interested in Tutoring?
FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide in-person academic support to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible. The number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as needs throughout the division. Apply now! Contact tutor@fcps.edu for more information.
Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours.
Tutor.com Is Still Available; Free for All FCPS Students
Online tutoring through Tutor.com is available to all FCPS students as a resource for support and enrichment. As of January 2023, approximately 8,000 students have participated in approximately 34,000 tutoring sessions. Tutor.com remains available to all FCPS students at no cost. Find out more about Tutor.com.
Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult, but vital, for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive.
There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for.
Common values to develop in healthy relationships include:
- honesty
- reciprocity
- effort
- respect
- safety & security
- laughter
- acceptance
- healthy boundaries
- unconditional love
- friendship
- non-judgmental
As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe.
Resources:
Healthy Relationships
Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships
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
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- FHS Staff Appreciation - Volunteers & Donations needed!
- ANG Silent Auction Sneak Peek!
- Parent Support Circle
Staff Appreciation
Staff Appreciation Week is only a month away! Please sign up here to ensure our teachers know how much they are appreciated! There are many opportunities to volunteer and donate to their luncheon on Wednesday, March 8, and support the daily raffles. (FHS honors our staff in March rather than waiting for National Teacher Appreciation Week because our teachers are swamped with SOL and AP testing in May!)
The PTSA provides lunch from 2 local food trucks, and we are seeking donations to cover the cost. Monetary donations can be made at: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/461736.
If you would like to donate additional Food such as desserts, beverages, and snacks, Raffle Items such as gift cards or baskets, or Volunteer to serve lunch on 3/8 please sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A5A62EA0FE3-staff4 Please deliver all raffle items by 3/3/23 and food by 3/6/23 to the FHS Office and clearly label “Staff Appreciation.” If you need to make other arrangements, please contact Jen Seifert at liledjen4901@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting our amazing staff! If you have any questions, please contact Jen Seifert at liledjen4901@gmail.com or Shenika Bailey (shenikabailey@yahoo.com.)
ANG Silent Auction Sneak Peek!
The Fairfax PTSA ANG Silent Auction is coming!!!! We are finalizing items and adding new things every day. If you want to see how it's shaping up and see what you may want to bid on, check out:
https://app.galabid.com/fhsangsa2023/items
It is NOT live yet and you can't place any bids. Our target date for Go Live is February 15. Highlights include reserved parking and seating for graduation, a one-hour discovery flight in a Cessna 172 Aircraft with a certified Flight Instructor and a Poker Night Gift Basket with Fairfax 2022 Football Team Playing Cards. It's not too late to donate an item if you're still interested, just email ANG@fairfaxptsa.org.
Parent Support Circle
The FHS Counselors are offering several wonderful parent support circles for all FHS parents/guardians to connect!
First Thursdays 8:15-9:00am, In-Person @ FHS
Second Thursdays 11:00-11:45am, In-Person @ FHS (en Espanol)
Third Tuesdays 7:30-8:15pm, Virtual on Zoom
Please RSVP to Ashley Curl, LCSW: amcurl@fcps.edu
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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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