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Upcoming Events
March 14: Sophomore College Night, 6:30pm, Auditorium
March 18: Mock SAT/ACT 9am at FHS
March 21: PTSA Meeting 7pm, FHS Library
March 22: All Night Grad Meeting 7pm, FHS Library
March 23: Cultural Observance Day: Ramadan begins at sunset on 3/22 and continues until 4/21
April 3-7: Spring Break, No School
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Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight!
- Lisa Greeves, English Teacher, National Board Certified
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Daylight Savings Time
- Opioid Awareness Meeting, March 13th, 6:30pm @ FHS
- Rising 12th Immunization Requirements Due
- Improved Access to Language Translations on FCPS Websites
- Senior dues are.... Due!
- Fairfax County Teen Job Fair
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Review Draft Goals for the Strategic Plan
- Sophomore College Night
- Cultural Celebration, March 16th @ FHS
- Spring Break & Teacher Work Day Camps
- Fairfax Athletics Annual Mulch Sale
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- PTSA Board Volunteers Needed!
- SAT/ACT Practice Opportunity
- Parent Support Circles
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
March 10, 2023
It’s a Fabulous Fairfax Week! This week our staff was treated to so much love from our PTSA, students and community – massages, lunch, mystery drawings, sweet treats, special messages, and swag. We “THANK YOU” for pouring into us as we continue to pour into your LIONS lots of knowledge and love.
Communication was front and center as we continue our focus on Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills. Our choral students’ voices communicated music that captivated our ears and hearts at their concert. We hosted our Rotary oratory competition, and these speeches and delivery were second to none, this is not a surprise as five of our speech forensics students are headed to nationals. Communication was key as DECA clenched 17 nominations to attend nationals with their presentations and projects. Upon a quick visit to French IV we saw language dialogue and listening in action as students practiced the key to clear and concise communication. In Algebra, we saw dynamic “meta-POG-nition” as students communicated their thinking around problem-solving.
As you plan for next week, we invite you to attend our Cultural celebration that highlights our culture, our students, and our community. We are Fairfax Family!
Every Student, Every Strength, Every Day here at Fairfax High.
Yours in partnership,
Lisa Greeves, English Teacher
 English Teacher, Lisa Greeves, is pictured with her fiancé, Guy, and her oldest son, Lucas, at the recent school board meeting recognizing National Board Certified teachers.
Lisa Greeves earned her National Board Certification in AYA English Language Arts in 2018 and renewed successfully in December 2022. She started teaching English (many years ago!) at Rockbridge County High School in Lexington, VA before moving on to teach English and Journalism at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County for almost five years. After a ten-year hiatus, she returned to the classroom and landed here in Fairfax High School’s English department in 2011.
Ms. Greeves has taught all grades and levels of English classes in her time here at FHS, including AP English Language for almost ten years. She started the English Honor Society (with librarian Anne Nolan), started the AP Capstone program in Fall 2019, and started the Dual Enrollment English course for 11th graders in Fall 2021. Her love for rhetoric and the written word colors all of her courses.
Ms. Greeves holds a B.A. from James Madison University, with a double-major in English and Communication, and an M.A. in English, with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a proud single mother of three kids (Lucas, Alex, and Stella), regularly shares the antics of her two fat cats with her classes, and is excited to get remarried this summer. We are lucky to have such a talented and dedicated teacher at our school. Thank you, Ms. Greeves, for all you do!
Calendar Reminders: Daylight Savings Time
Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
National School Social Work Week
March 5-10 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Thank you, school social workers! Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.
Ramadan
This year, the first day of Ramadan is Wednesday, March 22. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
Ramadan begins with a half “O Day” on March 22, followed by an O Day on March 23. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Opioid Awareness Meeting: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community
Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths.
There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School.
Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.
Watch the video and learn more on our website. Register for the March 13 event.
Rising 12th Grade Immunizations Due
12th Grade Immunization Requirement Notice
The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
All students entering 12th grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
● To meet the Meningococcal (MenACWY) 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
ACTION REQUESTED: Please provide one of the following immunization documents to the Student Information Assistant (SIA) or Registrar at your child’s school as soon as possible:
- An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY).
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form, which is available online at: https://bit.ly/VDOEReligiousExemptionForm
Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources. Use the QR Codes below to identify resources:
Please contact Toby Sorensen at tmsorensen@fcps.edu 703-219-2349 if you have any questions.
Improved Access to Language Translation on FCPS Websites
In a continued effort to prioritize access for our diverse communities, FCPS is launching a language translation feature that will be available on every division and school webpage. The feature has been added to the header at the top of the page and will scroll with the user as they navigate the page. Learn more about our new translation feature.
Senior Dues increase on March 11th!
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Hey, Seniors! If you haven't already, please make sure to pay your Senior Dues before the price increases on March 11th!
What: Seniors dues are $65 for one more week BUT the cost will increase to $80 on March 11
How: Pay on MySchoolBucks - go to the School Store, Browse All Items, and look for "Class of 2023 Dues."
Why: The fee covers a variety of items including cap & gown, diploma, senior picnic, class shirt, etc.
Not sure if you've paid your dues or not? Please check with your subschool to find out:
- Subschool 1 & 2
Last Name Alpha A - Lee
Room A-114
- Subschool 3 & 4
Last Name Alpha Lef - Z
Room D-127
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Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series
High school students are invited to attend the 2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series, which kicks off Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Fairs will also be held Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at South County High School and Saturday, March 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Chantilly High School.
Each fair will feature employers offering part-time, full-time, seasonal, and volunteer positions. Students will also be able to attend career-building workshops like Resume Building and Interviewing 101. Most positions at the fair are geared toward students age 16+, but some opportunities for younger students may be available with parental consent. Visit the Teen Job Fair webpage to register.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Review Draft Goals for the new Strategic Plan
Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work that will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.
Parents and caregivers of current FCPS students, please check your email for a message from FCPS dated Monday, March 6. For community members who do not currently have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
Sophomore College Night
Cultural Celebration March 16
Spring Break and Teacher Work Day Camps
Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is offering camps during spring break (April 3-7) and FCPS teacher workdays (April 14 and April 21)! FCPA camps are held in recreation centers, parks, schools, and virtually. Categories include: Sports, performing arts, STEM, music, and others. Kids can explore a special interest or learn something new while making new friends. Register today.
Check out the Camps website for a complete list of options or browse the FCPA Spring and Summer Camp 2023 Guide (PDF).
Mulch Sale! Order deadline is TODAY!
It's time for Fairfax Athletics Annual MULCH SALE!!
- FREE DELIVERY AND EASY ONLINE ORDERING!
- ORDER DEADLINE: MARCH 10
- DELIVERY DATE: MARCH 18
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot deliver outside of the Fairfax HS boundaries. If you live outside FHS boundaries, you can pick up your order in the school parking lot on Saturday, March 18th between 8am - 11am. 2023 Mulch Sale Flyer
CLICK HERE TO ORDER
If you would rather donate, or you can’t order and pay online, please contact Brendan Shapiro at bmshapiro@fcps.edu. We are happy to help find a solution.
Calling all Lion parents! Do you have an SUV or truck? Fairfax Athletics is in need of parent drivers on Saturday, March 18 to help make deliveries for the annual mulch sale fundraiser. All proceed from the fundraiser go directly to supporting FHS sports and activities. Please click the link below for more details and to sign up: FHS Mulch Sale Volunteers
Thank you for your support!
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- PTSA Board Volunteers Needed
- SAT/ACT Practice Opportunity
- Parent Support Circles
We need YOU on the PTSA Board!
The Fairfax High School PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) is looking for parents to serve on the Board during the 2023 - 2024 school year. Our goal is to have the Board reflect our school community and classrooms. Involvement is a big part of your student's success and what better way than to be at the center! You will be surrounded by community members who are engaged in all aspects of Fairfax High School.
Positions available include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Hospitality and Web Master.
Meetings are currently on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (virtually until we resume in person meetings).
Everyone welcome, no previous experience necessary.
Please contact: Susan@skares.com if you are interested or want to find out more information.
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
Parent Support Circles
The FHS Counselors are offering several wonderful parent support circles for all FHS parents/guardians to connect!
First Thursdays 8:15-9 am In-Person @ FHS
Second Thursdays 11-11:45 am In-Person @ FHS (en Espanol)
Third Tuesdays 7:30-8:15 pm 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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