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Upcoming Events
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
March 10: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library
March 14: FHS Sophomore College Night
March 18: Mock SAT/ACT 9am
March 23: Cultural Observance Day: Ramadan begins at sunset on 3/22 and continues until 4/21
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Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight!
- Catherine Williams, Science Teacher and Science Dept. Chair
- Sam Tennison, Science Teacher
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminder: Student Holiday on March 3
- Science Olympiad Results
- Scholarship Winners!
- Daniel Miller wins the Region Outstanding Teacher Award!
- Lio Quezada Guevara wins the Outstanding New Teacher Award!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Band Pre-Assessment Concert
- Coaches Night
- 10th Annual Athletic Booster Golf Tournament
- Webinars and Events for Parents
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Online Auction to support the Class of 2023
- FHS Staff Appreciation!
- SAT/ACT Practice Opportunity
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Principal Georgina Aye presents a "Lions Taking the Lead" certificate to 10th grader Eowyn Worst. Congrats!
February 24, 2023
It is always a Fabulous Fairfax Friday, and I will tell you this one was action packed! Today began by celebrating our “Educators of the Graduates” and “Drivers of the Graduates” with a sweet treat and special thanks to our staff team and the FCPS transportation team. Upon arrival to school, students could enjoy line dancing with our Black Student Alliance in the commons area, lots of moving and grooving. We then began our breakfast celebration for our Lions on the Rise, Portrait of a Graduate, and Merit Scholars where students were given special recognitions by our community and our staff for their hard work, dynamic skills, and academic excellence. If you stopped by our auditorium, the stage was filled with students as we invited 174 of our 5th grade friends for our dance symposium, “Move til you Drop.” It also wouldn’t be CTE Month if you didn’t visit the library and enjoy a hands-on simulation with our friends from Edison HS in the construction and engineering trades. We were “Roar”ing in every moment that celebrated student success and provided exciting opportunities for students to dream!
Every Student, Every Strength, Every Day here at Fairfax High.
Yours in partnership,
Science Success!
2004: Science teacher Cathy Williams, and then-student Sam Tennison came to FHS the same year. Ms. Williams coached Sam on the Science Olympiad team that went to Nationals as the Virginia State Champion.
 Today: Cathy Williams is the Science Dept. Chair, and Sam Tennison is her colleague and fellow Science teacher. A full circle moment!
Cathy Williams is in her 36th year of teaching and her 34th year of coaching the Science Olympiad (in Virginia, Michigan, and Minnesota). She has coached 6 Science Olympiad State Champion teams and has served as the Science Olympiad tournament director for yearly invitational and/or Regional Tournaments. She is also the Science Olympiad National event supervisor for Chemistry Lab at George Washington University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ms. Williams recently obtained a master's degree in gifted instruction to better support her AP Chemistry and Science Olympiad students, and is a National Board-certified teacher. She enjoys challenging students to push themselves academically and to apply and stretch their learning outside of class. Her husband, Rob Williams, is a German teacher at Fairfax HS. They have 3 children (all FHS grads!) and 2 grandchildren.
Sam Tennison is an alumnus of Fairfax High School, class of 2004, and attended both College of William & Mary (c/o 2009) and the George Washington University (c/o 2012). Before working in FCPS, Mr. Tennison at a forensic science lab based in northern Virginia. He started teaching full-time at Katherine Johnson Middle School in 2013 before moving to teach at Fairfax High School in 2017. Since then, Mr. Tennison has been teaching classes in Biology, Chemistry, and most recently Forensic Science. Since 2009, Mr. Tennison has been helping the Fairfax HS Science Olympiad team, running tournaments, supervising events, and coaching members in select events. He has also been extensively working with Virginia Science Olympiad as an event supervisor in numerous events, including “Cell Biology,” “Designer Genes,” “Disease Detectives,” “Ecology,” “Microbe Mission,” and “Forensics." He is also a Board Member of Virginia Science Olympiad. Outside of school and Science Olympiad, Mr. Tennison practices music (piano and composition) and photography, and he is vociferous player/supporter/consumer of football (soccer).
Calendar Reminder: Student Holiday on March 3
Students have an early release on Thursday, March 2. There is no school for students on Friday, March 3, due to a school planning day. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Science Olympiad Results
Left: Avery Hanna and Rohan Soma; Right: Ayaan Ahmed and Howard Dinh.
Congratulations to Howard Dinh and Ayaan Ahmed for their 5th place finish in Trajectory and to Rohan Soma and Avery Hanna for their 6th place finish in Green Generation at the UPenn Science Olympiad Invitational last Saturday.
All three of our teams will compete this coming Saturday at the University of Mary Washington in the lab and engineering portion of regionals.
 The FHS Science Olympiad Team at UPenn last weekend.
Scholarship Winners!
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Congratulations to Hank Hawkins, one of only 100 students selected from thousands of applications as a recipient of the Posse Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Virginia, a Posse partnering institution. Posse Scholars have demonstrated extraordinary leadership within their high school, community and/or family, and excelled academically. Hank will join a national network of young leaders who work to make the world a better place. For more information about Posse, see: https://www.possefoundation.org/ Posse Self-Nominations for the Class of 2024 will be announced in late Spring.
We are confident that Hank will contribute in great ways to Posse and the UVA community. Fairfax High School could not be prouder…GO HANK!
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We are thrilled to announce that Brady Park has been awarded a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000, to the University of Virginia through QuestBridge. The QuestBridge National College Match is a scholarship program for seniors who have excelled academically despite financial or personal circumstances. For more information on QuestBridge, see: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match
The QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship Program Application for summer programs is currently open for juniors (Class of 2024) and has a deadline of March 22, 2023. Learn more about eligibility here: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars
CONGRATULATIONS to Brady and the Park family!!
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Mr. Miller wins Region 5 Outstanding Secondary Teacher for 2023
 L-R: Region 5 Asst. Supt. Rebecca Baenig, Executive Principal Eric MccAnn, FHS English Teacher Daniel Miller, Executive Principal Terri Edmunds-Heard, FHS Principal Georgina Aye, FHS Asst. Principal Troy Ketch.
Congratulations to Daniel Miller, English Teacher, for being named the Region 5 Outstanding Secondary Teacher for 2023!
Region 5 Asst. Superintendent, Rebecca Baenig, Executive Principal, Eric McCann, and Executive Principal Terri Edmunds-Heard from the Region 5 office, presented Mr. Miller with the good news. He now becomes a Finalist for all of FCPS.
Congrats and Thank You, Mr. Miller, for all you do for our students and school community!
Mr. Quezada Guevara wins the Outstanding New Secondary Teacher award for the Fairfax Pyramid!
Congratulations to our History & Social Studies Teacher, Lio Quezada Guevara, on being named the 2023 Fairfax Pyramid New Secondary Teacher!
Mr. Quezada Guevara is teaching 9th grade World History and Geography I, teamed with a special education teacher, and 11th grade US and Virginia History. His comfort level and confidence in the classroom is that of a seasoned veteran teacher. He is able to successfully balance the roles of being both an advocate and authority for students while earning their creditability and respect. For many young teachers, finding a way to do this is a struggle. He is masterful at sharing with students enough for them to see that he is very real, all while maintaining the utmost professionalism.
In addition to being a first year teacher, Mr. Quezada Guevara serves as the head coach of the Fairfax High School wrestling team. He genuinely cares about the athletes he coaches and challenges them to reach their highest potential. Mr. Quezada Guevara believes in supporting the whole student, not just the athlete. He runs a ninety minute study hall every day after school for all the wrestlers. He motivates them to achieve academically and brings in other teachers to support the students.
Congrats, Mr. Q, well deserved! Thank you for all you do for our students and community, we appreciate you.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
FHS Band Pre-Assessment Concert
 Our Fabulous Fairfax Band held their pre-assessment concert earlier this week. Well done and good luck at assessment!
Coaches Night!
Athletic Booster Fundraiser
 Calling all golf enthusiasts! Come out and enjoy our 10th Annual Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament Fundraiser as we raise money to support ALL student athletic teams at FHS. Not a golfer? No problem. You can help by becoming a sponsor or making an auction donation!
WHO: Parents, grandparents, teachers/staff, alumni, community members….
WHAT: 18 holes of amazing golf, range, lunch, dinner, prizes, awards reception and auction
WHEN: Monday, May 8th. Registration begins at 9:30AM with shotgun start at 11AM.
WHERE: Country Club of Fairfax
WHY: Help FHS Athletic Boosters fund needed supplies and equipment for our student athletes
HOW: https://fairfaxhighsports.org/page/3310 for registration, sponsorships and auction signup.
Registration is $185 per golfer or $700 per foursome. Spaces are limited and will be on a first come basis until May 1st, or until tee times are filled.
Do you have a business, or are you a parent/family looking to support FHS Athletics? Select the sponsorship tab from the link above to find out about our multiple sponsorship opportunities!
Questions? Please reach out to the tournament coordinator at FHSboostergolftour@gmail.com or contact the Fairfax Athletics Office at 703-219-2201.
Webinars and Events for Parents
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars and in-person events in March:
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IEP Updates: A Webinar for Families: Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m. The Department of Special Services will provide resources for families including an overview of the FCPS Special Education Enhancement Plan, and updated policies and procedures.
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Neurodiversity at Middle School: Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m. Kristen Haynor, a neurodiversity specialist, will share strategies on setting your child up for success (no matter how their brain functions), advocating for your child, and collaborating with your child’s school.
Click on the titles above to register.
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Online Auction to support the Class of 2023
- FHS Staff Appreciation!
- SAT/ACT Practice Opportunity
Online Auction supports the Class of 2023
All FHS Fans....the ANG 2023 Silent Auction IS NOW OPEN! We currently have 95 items and are adding new items every day. To register and check it out, go to https://app.galabid.com/fhsangsa2023 and click the "Register" button. Just enter your name and email, and you're in. All are welcome - you do not have to be a parent of a senior to bid. We have something for everyone!
Hungry? We've got you covered with Bundt Cakes, restaurant and brew pub gift cards and locally made pies, cookies and treats.
If you want to get those family pictures done early or need a quick outdoor senior portrait , we have 2 terrific photographers in the auction, now going for less than 1/3 of market value. And the 50/50 raffle is getting up there!!! Don't miss out.
Staff Appreciation
Staff Appreciation Week is only two weeks 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.
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.)
Mock SAT/ACT
On Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 9am the Fairfax High School Academic Boosters will again be partnering with Applerouth Tutoring to offer Mock SAT and ACT exams.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. We will also offer the Mock ACT for students who have already taken the SAT and wish to see if the ACT might be right for them.
Students are encouraged to take a practice test before attempting the actual exam. They may select either the SAT or the ACT practice test. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
To register, go to:
http://www.applerouth.com/schools/8801/
SAT code: M515738
ACT code: M515740
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org
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