From the Principal's Desk

upcoming events

Upcoming Events

April 15: ANG fundraiser at Plastic Modelers 9am-4pm

April 18: PTSA Meeting 7pm FHS Library

April 19: ANG Meeting 7pm FHS Library

April 20-22: FX Players Presents: Sister Act

April 21: Cultural Observance Day: Eid al Fitr (begins sundown 4/20)

April 21: Student Holiday

April 24-28: Wellness Week

April 25: FHS Pyramid Event 6:30pm

May 1-18: AP Testing Daily- Volunteers Needed!

May 5: Principal’s Coffee 7:30am, FHS Library

May 9: FHS Chorus Concert

May 11: FHS Band Concert

May 16: FHS Orchestra Concert

Included in this issue:

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Calendar Reminders
  • FHS Pyramid Wellness and Safety Fair
  • Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Team
  • AP Exam Review Sessions

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Wellness Week April 24-28
  • Dean of Students, Bruni Herring, performs in In the Heights 
  • FX Players Presents: Sister Act, The Divine Musical Comedy
  • FHS Annual Art Show
  • Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament
  • Athletics Health Physical Night, May 8, FHS Cafeteria

Fairfax Academy Events:

  • MCT Fest, April 22 @ 7:00pm, Sherwood Center
  • Fashion in Motion, April 29 @ 5:00pm, Sherwood Center
  • Art in Motion Dance Show, May 5 @ 7:00pm FHS Auditorium
  • Connect - Contact - Reach Us

Fairfax HS PTSA

  • Join the PTSA Board
  • Volunteers still needed Tomorrow @ the Modelers Show! 
  • Mark your Calendars for the PTSA and ANG meetings
  • All Night Grad Updates
  • Parent Volunteers Needed this Testing Season
  • Next Principal's Coffee May 5 @ 7:30am in the Library

Acceso de News You Choose en Español:  Haga clic aquí.


FHS Auto Tech

Photo courtsey of Gisele Gray, Community Activities Specialist

Auto Technology Teacher, John King, hosted his Auto Advisory Council meeting this past week. Community members, former students, local business partners, and school leadership came out to support this great program!

 

April 14, 2023

 

This week we came in with a "ROAR" from a much-needed Spring Break that was filled with rest and relaxation. Our Portrait of a Graduate skill of the week was collaboration and we watched students engage in deep dialogue around First Amendment rights in Mr. Lavery's class.

Socratic circles were used in Mr. Friedman's class as students took to the pit and engaged in text discussions. Respecting divergent thinking and engaging others in thoughtful dialogue is key in each class as student's share ideas with one another around texts, problems, thoughts, and new ideas.

Our Auto Tech students and their instructor, Mr. King, hosted the annual Spring Advisory Council meeting which allowed industry stakeholders to hear all the amazing opportunities the program is providing for our future work force, and allowed the students the opportunity to collaborate with pioneers of industry.

Mr. Whitney's Theater students collaborated in commercial making and innovative ways to communicate topics to target audiences. One group created a video focused on making technology and programming more accessible to a senior audience. The best of collaboration is the opportunity to work with others to build a classroom and school community. 

Every Student, Every Strength, Every Day here at Fairfax High.

Yours in partnership,

Signature

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Calendar Reminders 

Autism Acceptance Month graphic

 

April is Autism Acceptance Month

One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

 

April is National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

 

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). Read more at Britannica.com.

FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset Thursday, April 20, to sunset Friday, April 21. April 20 is a half O Day, April 21 is a student holiday.

 

April is the Month of the Military Child

Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have more than 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. 

To show our support for all military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” and wear purple on Wednesday, April 19. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force blue.

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

youtube video

FHS Pyramid Wellness and Safety Fair

Parents, join us Tuesday, April 25 at 6:00pm for an educational evening supporting student wellness and safety! A variety of 30 minute seminars will be offered in 3 sessions to support families of different ages, and information tables will be available at the beginning and end of the evening. Session topic options will include Dealing with Big Feelings (K-6), Trauma in Teens, Gang Prevention and Awareness, Family Resource Center Services, The Parent Project/ Parent Support Group, Child Services Act, Social Media/ Gaming Safety, Communicating Through Reading, or the 2 hour Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program (details below). The event is free and open to any parent/guardian in our pyramid.

Information Tables include FCPS Social Workers and Psychologists, Narcan Training, Food Insecurity, Community Support and Resources for English classes, Internet Safety at Home, Cue Bus, City of Fairfax Parks and Rec, Mott Center free after school programs, Be SMART Gun Safety, Community Services Board and Coordinated Services Planning.

For more information on the schedule, each session and the information tables visit https://johnsonms.fcps.edu/event/fairfax-pyramid-wellness-safety-fair 

 

HIPS flyer

 

The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, vaping, mental health and behavioral concerns, risky sexual behaviors, trending "challenges" and more. 

This is a hands-on learning adventure for PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ONLY. We guide you through a presentation that opens your eyes to what is right in front of you. This program begins with a “show and tell” of “red flags” that can indicate risky behavior in teens. Times have changed since we were teenagers.

That is followed by an educational portion that includes a presentation detailing more "red flags" and how they are indicative of — or used in — risky behavior. We include up to date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behaviors and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life. Let’s open the door to communicating with our teens!


Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Team

Fairfax County EQAC

 

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2023 through June 2024 term. 

EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement, including preparing an annual report on the state of the physical environment in Fairfax County. Each year, the council also administers the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and employees for advancing or supporting the county’s environmental goals and policies.

EQAC is composed of one citizen representative from each of nine magisterial districts, four at large members, and one student representative. The council generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. 

The student member application is open to all interested Fairfax County high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. To apply, complete and submit the student application form. All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3.

More information and application materials are online here: 
https://bit.ly/2Qx2xme


AP Exam Review Sessions

Want to get a new perspective on your AP Course? Ready to review for your upcoming AP Exam?

Virtual review sessions are available for any FCPS student in nine AP subjects. Sessions will be conducted by experienced FCPS AP Teachers who are also scoring the AP exam this spring, so they know their content well!! Find the AP subject, dates/times of the review sessions in this flyer:
FCPS AP Exam Review Sessions 2023.pdf

To participate in a review session:

  • Join the Schoology Group “ISD- Advanced Placement Exam Review Sessions 2023” using Access Code: SF44-ZJ4B-ZMKKG
  • Access the Zoom review session via the Schoology Group.
    • For directions on how to join a Schoology Group, click here.
    • For directions on how to access a Zoom meeting via Schoology, click here (students will join Zoom from the Schoology Group)

Questions? Email Rebecca Small, High School Specialist, Advanced Academic Programs: rdsmall@fcps.edu.


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Wellness Week April 24-28

FHS Student Leadership and Student Services will host activities throughout Wellness Week to promote kindness, unity, positive living, and healthy mindsets and habits. Students can join in the Spirit Week festivities and participate in lunch time activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, supported by the PTSA. Therapy Dogs will visit during all lunches on Tuesday and Thursday.

The zen continues during Lion Time B where students can enjoy Art, Gym Sports, Bingo, Chalk Art and Alpaca and animal visits. Teachers will have the opportunity to sign up their LT classes to Walk the Track outside or to have games delivered from our *new* game library to their classrooms during LT B. 

We are excited to welcome motivational speaker, Sam Anthony, to speak to our 10th and 11th grade students.

Follow Fairfax High School Leadership & Student Services on Instagram for Wellness Week Information: @Fairfaxhslions @FHSStudentServices #FHSWellnessWeek


Come See Ms. Herring perform in In the Heights!

In the Heights staff

 

FHS Dean of Students, Bruni Herring, is so proud to be a part of this amazing cast which tells the story of Usnavi and his neighbors in the barrio of Washington Heights, the area where Bruni actually grew up. Bruni plays the role of Abuela Claudia who teaches everyone to have “paciencia y fe” (patience and faith). You won’t want to miss this musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda when he was just a sophomore at Wesleyan University in 1999.

The show runs from May 12-June 11th. https://www.nextstoptheatre.org/

In the Heights

FX Players Presents: Sister Act

Sister Act poster

 

Come See Sister Act!

A woman hiding in a convent helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet!

Purchase tickets here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15604. You don't want to miss it! 


FHS Annual Art Show

FHS Art Show

 

The FHS Annual Art Show will be this coming Wednesday, April 19th! Advanced Art students in Photography, Digital Arts and Studio Art will be showcasing their work during the day from 9:00am to 2:55, and then 5:30 to 7:30 for the community/pyramid show. Please come see the talent and skills of our Fairfax Pyramid!


Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament May 8 - Early Registration Pricing extended to April 17! 

Golf Tournament

 

HELP SUPPORT FAIRFAX ATHLETICS!  Join us for a fun day of golf, food, prizes and auction, or help by purchasing a sponsorship for the 10th Annual Athletics Booster Fundraiser. All are welcome!  Scan to code below or go to https://fairfaxhighsports.org/page/3310 to register or donate.

SIGN UP NOW! Entry fees go UP after April 17th! 

For questions contact Miranda Adams at fhsboostergolftour@gmail.com. Thank you!


Athletic Dept. Health Physical Night

The Athletic Training Program will be hosting our physical night for our annual fundraiser on May 8th in the FHS Cafeteria. This is the only money we get to be able to buy any sort of supplies that we would need for the school year (i.e. tape, wound care, modalities, rehab equipment, etc.). This physical will be good for the 2023-2024 school year. Physical Night registration is now Available. Please use the below link to sign up!

It’s alive!!!  2023 Athletic Physical Registration 

While any help would be appreciated we are looking to get a few more medical professionals ( Doctors, PA’s, NPs ect) to sign up to make sure the night runs smoothly.

Here’s the Volunteer form:  2023 Athletic Physical Volunteer Registration


Check out what's happening at Fairfax Academy!


Fairfax Academy Logo

MCT Fest

Fairfax Academy MCT Fest

 

Fairfax Academy’s MCT Fest is an annual student-managed festival style event composed of all original songs, lyrics, and music by this year’s MCT level 1 & 2 students. MCT Fest 2023 includes 10+ acts that will encompass Rock, pop punk, Rap, EDM, Jazz, and more. This year, student performers will represent 10 different FCPS high schools (that all attend the Music Computer Technology program (MCT) at Fairfax Academy).

Tickets are $15. Online payments are through Etix, and in-person/live event tickets are paid in cash only. Donations are appreciated, and go right back into the Music Computer Technology program at Fairfax Academy. In-person tickets, are on a first-come-first-serve basis, as the number of guests present cannot exceed 300 people and MCT students are counted in this total number.


Fashion in Motion

Fashion in Motion 2023

Art in Motion ~ Dances inspired by famous works of Art

Fairfax Academy Art in Motion

 

Tickets on sale starting Friday, April 21st! Purchase Tickets Here!


stay in touch

with us throughout the year by:


Fairfax HS PTSA


Table of Contents:

  • Join the PTSA Board
  • Volunteers still needed Tomorrow @ the Modelers Show! 
  • Mark your Calendars for the PTSA and ANG meetings
  • All Night Grad Updates
  • Parent Volunteers Needed this Testing Season
  • Next Principal's Coffee May 5 @ 7:30am in the Library

Join the PTSA Board! 

Join the 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: Treasurer, Hospitality and Web Master. 

Meetings are currently on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Everyone welcome, no previous experience necessary.

Please contact the nominating committee at Susan@skares.com if you are interested or want to find out more information.


Volunteer Opportunities Still available TOMORROW! 

Modeling Club

 

Each year the Northern Virginia International Plastic Modelers Society holds their Modelers Classic at FHS. The All Night Grad still needs help on Saturday 4/15 to work concessions and break down/clean up after the event. This is our last fundraiser to support the Class of '23- Sign up here to support our FHS seniors! Modelers Classic Volunteer SignUp.

Thank you for your time and support of All Night Grad ’23!


PTSA and ANG Meetings Next Week

Meeting Reminder

Join us ONLINE Tuesday for the monthly PTSA meeting at 7pm and/or Wednesday for the All Night Grad Meeting at 7pm. It’s not too late to join in and hear all the exciting things that are happening for our students at FHS!

PTSA Meeting 4/18

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89051477329?pwd=UHgyNVViQ2cwQmlid0pOMERXd0dtdz09

 ANG Meeting 4/19

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81673461454


All Night Grad News

Graduation is just 2 months away!  For those not aware, the All Night Grad celebration will be held at the St. James on the night of graduation and is open to all seniors.  It is a 30+ year tradition, hosted by senior parents with support from the PTSA and is a great way to celebrate your seniors with their classmates in a safe environment.  To help, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-allnight.

ANG St James

ANG Tickets are ON SALE

https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/499302 Purchase your student’s ticket before the price goes up! If we have money in the bank now we can plan for more fun activities on June 7- don’t wait!


Yard Sign double

Senior Yard Signs are ON SALE

Double Package: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/499060 Other ticket/yard sign/donation packages are available on https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store.


Proctor Volunteers Needed

Proctor Volunteers

 

Fairfax High School is seeking parent volunteers to help proctor the AP exams being administered May 1-18th. We have many opportunities available to give our students a great exam session. Email or sign up for a time you can work during the school day even if it’s not the whole session:

FHS AP Testing Proctor SignUp

Please note that you cannot proctor an AP exam that your student is scheduled to take and you cannot be in the same room with any family member. If you have any questions, please email Leslie Trieu at latrieu@fcps.edu.


Next Principal's Coffee Friday, May 5

Principal's Coffee

Please join us for the next Principal's Coffee on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 7:30am in the school library. Stop in for coffee and conversation with Principal Aye. See you there! 


FCPS Cares

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.