Upcoming Events May 29: Memorial Day, No School June 7: FHS Graduation, student holiday for grades 9-11 June 16: Last Day of School, Early Release

Included in this issue:

Student Spotlights:

• National Honor Society Inductees
• Sophomore Space Coast Scholars
• FHS Crew Results

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

• Calendar Reminders: Memorial Day, Last Day of School
• Remind Teens to Practice Safe Driving
• Student Rights & Responsibilities Updates
• Attendance Matters: Let's Finish the School Year Strong!
• Important Graduation Update! June 7 @ 9AM Rain or Shine
• EOY Exam Schedule 
• Laptop Collection
• Rising Seniors Meningococcal Immunization Requirement

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

• Makers Space Donations wanted
• Pre-Participation Physicals for MS and HS Athletes
• Yearbook Distribution and RISING Senior Portraits
• CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp
• Making the Transition from Middle School to High School
• Podcast on Family Resource Center
• Tutoring Grants available for Families
• Connect - Contact - Reach Us

Fairfax HS PTSA

• Notice of Membership Dues Adjustments
• All Night Grad Tickets on Sale Now

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

In Memory of Many, in Honor of All, Thank You. Your Bravery and Service Will Never be Forgotten.

May 26, 2023

HAPPY THREE-DAY WEEKEND FAIRFAX FAMILY! 

I am hopeful your weekend is filled with joy, family, fun, and laughter.  This week, on our celebration tour at Fairfax High School, we began our week with The Academy Awards. Academy programs recognized both graduating "Seniors" and rising stars that are making an impact in the classroom and within our community. We also hosted our CTE Awards Ceremony. Our future workforce is STRONG, as we recognize students' commitments to career and industry classes, work-based learning, and impact projects that are paving the way in industry and innovation. 

170 Fairfax Lions committed to The National Honor Society. We hosted our National Honor Society induction that recognized students for leadership, service, scholarship, and citizenship. It was an amazing night with family and friends committed to academic excellence and community service. Our Future is Bright! 

Wellness is always Wonderful here at FHS. We were able to welcome our furry friends this week during lunch.  We also hosted an ice cream social to celebrate testing coming to an end and the countdown to finals beginning. 

As the sun began to RISE today, we begin to bid our FAREWELLS to the amazing Class of 2023. Today began with our Senior College Sunrise and continued with Senior Exams kicking off. We could not be more excited for the next two weeks and ALL THINGS GRADUATION! These are the final PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE moments we have been waiting for all year. 

We thank all of those who have served and given their lives for our country -- have a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend!

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

Yours in partnership,

Student Spotlights

Congrats to our new NHS members!

170 FHS students were newly inducted into the the National Honor Society (NHS) earlier this week. NHS is a nationwide organization for high school students. Selection is based on four criteria: academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. Congratulations to our new members! Our future is bright! 

Sophomores selected as Space Coast Scholars

Congratulations to Sophomores, Mason Le and Vivianne Kim, who have been selected as Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS). They will be attending this Summer’s Academies at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA. Since November 2022, they worked on an interactive online learning experience focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Upon successfully completing the online program, exceptional scholars received an invitation to participate in a seven-day residential Summer Academy. Vivianne and Mason will have the opportunity to learn directly from NASA experts and their collaborators. The academy aims to provide in-depth knowledge about the most advanced and groundbreaking technologies and missions.  

FHS Crew Results

Photos courtesy of Laura Buice

Our FHS Crew students participated in the Scholastic Rowing Association (SRAA) Nationals and finished strong this week - even with an equipment issue with one of the girl’s seats!

FHS girls finished 18th in the nation and boys 22nd. Well done, Lions!

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

Calendar Reminders: Memorial Day

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 30. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Looking Ahead: Early Dismissal June 16

As a reminder, the last day of the 2022-23 school year is Friday, June 16. Fairfax HS students will be dismissed at 10:10am. 

🚨 Remind Teens to Practice Safe Driving

It’s a very exciting time of year for many teens: longer days, nice weather, and end of year/graduation activities. 

Please remind teen drivers of the responsibilities that come with driving. According to this video from the Fairfax County Police Department, there were 622 crashes involving teen drivers last year in Fairfax County. Common mistakes among those drivers include failure to maintain proper control (distracted driver/texting and/or speeding), not having the right of way, and following too close (tailgating). 

Consider watching the video with your child as a way of showing the real consequences of unsafe driving. FCPD shared footage of a recent incident where speeding led to a serious (but non-fatal) accident. In a news release, the FCPD stated, “Parents and guardians should consider using this video as an opportunity to have a conversation with their teen drivers about how their driving behavior can affect the lives of others.”

Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates

An update on the proposed changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document was presented at last Thursday’s School Board meeting. Watch the presentation or view the presentation slides

💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long—up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

• Check your child’s attendance record.
• Help your student stay engaged at school.
• Report future absences.
• Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.

Class of 2023 GRADUATION UPDATE:

JUNE 7 @ 9AM, RAIN OR SHINE, at FHS Stadium

Stadium seating for outdoor event is unlimited.

In case of inclement weather, the community will be notified of a decision to move the event indoors one day in advance.

Seating for indoor graduation in the Gym will be limited to 5 tickets per graduate. 

Either way, the event will be live streamed.

The Senior Event calendar can be found here:

Senior Events Final 2023.pdf

Here is the direct ordering link for Graduation Videos: https://tinyurl.com/fairfax-ordering or see the PDF here: 2023FCPSOrderform.pdf or use the QR code attached.

Senior Google Accounts

Seniors that are actively enrolled in FCPS at the time of graduation will need to follow the directions linked below to download your data before June 16.

We know that you have years’ worth of information in your Google Drive and we want to give you ample opportunity to download all of it. After June 16, FCPS will begin the process of removing accounts and, as part of this process, Google will permanently delete your data.  

Please follow the directions in this link to save all of your data prior to June 16:

FCPS Google Workspace Information for Students and Parents.

End of Year Exam Schedule

PLEASE NOTE:

• Tuesday, May 30: SOL Science retakes
• Wednesday, May 31: SOL Math retakes
• Thursday, June 1: SOL retakes/make-ups
• If a student is absent: All make-up tests will be scheduled from May 22-June 2.
• For Underclass students, Mon-Thu, June 12-15, is early release at 11:35am; Friday, June 16th is early release at 10:10am and the last day of school.   

Laptop Collection

SENIOR LAPTOP COLLECTION

We are fast approaching graduation of the class of 2023!  During this season of celebration, one of the most important final tasks for seniors is to turn in their school issued laptop and charger.  Please see the Senior Laptop Collection Schedule below for times and locations to turn in your laptop and charger. 

If you need to purchase a replacement charger, you may do so by going to www.myschoolbucks.com and searching the school store.  

If you have any questions, please contact one of our TSSPECS, Eric Gonzalez egonzalez@fcps.edu, or Craig Franklin at clfranklin@fcps.edu.

We appreciate your cooperation and hope to receive all laptops and chargers during the times provided!  As a reminder, participation in Senior Activities are contingent on paying senior obligations, which include turning in your laptop and charger.

UNDERCLASS LAPTOP COLLECTION JUNE 15

On June 15th, underclass laptop collection will take place during 2nd period. More details to come! 

Rising Seniors - Meningococcal Immunization Requirement

Fairfax County Health Department https://bit.ly/FairfaxCountyHealthDepartment

Low Cost Healthcare Resources  https://bit.ly/LowCostHealthcareResources

Health and Community Resources https://bit.ly/HealthAndCommunityResources

Please contact Toby Sorensen at tmsorensen@fcps.edu 703-219-2349 if you have any questions.

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 

Makerspace Donations Needed

We are looking for donations for our new Makerspace area that will be in the library next year. Any types of craft items ~ yarn, fabric, sewing machine, knitting needles, markers, puzzles, board games, etc. ~ are welcomed! Please drop off donations in the main office, labeled "Makerspace." 

Questions? Contact Mrs. Cate at 703-219-2223 or vmcate@fcps.edu.

Thank you! 

🏃‍♀️ Pre-Participation Physicals for Middle and High School Athletes

Pending budget adoption, FCPS will offer middle school students a chance to participate in cross country this fall and track in spring 2024.

Any students who would like to participate in athletics will need to have a Virginia High School League (VHSL) pre-participation examination (PPE). The physical exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. 

Fairfax County public high schools are offering PPEs at a cost of $50 per student through Saturday, June 17. Students who receive free and reduced-priced meals are eligible to receive an exam at no cost. Learn more about middle school athletics and sports physicals.

Yearbook Distribution

IT’S YEARBOOK TIME!

Fairfax’s 2023 Yearbook, the Sampler, began distribution at school yesterday. 

If you were unable to pick up your book, the yearbook staff will be on hand during lunches and lion times beginning on the 26th to distribute pre-ordered books  

From the entire staff of the Sampler, we thank you for your patronage and look forward to sharing in this long-standing tradition with you. 

RISING Senior Portraits

Rising Seniors, 

Our first dates for senior portraits are approaching in just one month: during the last week of school, after underclass exams (June 13-16). These portraits will be the ones that will go into the 2024 yearbook and can also be purchased as a lasting keepsake for you and your family. Keep in mind that senior portraits are scheduled very early in the year: the majority of the dates are in June and August (1-4), as the portraits need time to process before they can be added to the yearbook. Schedule early to ensure your photo appears in the book. Please note: there is no sitting fee if you are only interested in having your portrait in the yearbook and not buying prints: your appointment will be free.

Formal attire is required for the official yearbook photo. The photography studio will provide a wrap (dress drape) or tuxedo (suit drape) for you to choose from. When preparing for your sitting, wear a tank top or light t-shirt that can hide under these options while preserving your modesty. If neither dress nor tux feels appropriate for you, we ask that you wear a formal all-black button-down shirt, blouse, or sweater, suitable for the yearbook. If you do not have proper attire, you will be asked to choose from provided options or to reschedule your sitting. If you would like to purchase photos where you wear a variety of outfits, you must pay for your sitting, the pricing of which depends on how many outfit changes you plan to have.

The photography studio, Legacy Studios, will be emailing scheduling information. If you have any questions about package options or scheduling, reach out to Legacy directly, as the school cannot assist with this. You can also click the following link and schedule now:

Fairfax High School Senior Scheduling

• Call: 716-512-6336  
• Email: customercare@legacystudios.com

💻 CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp

Chantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp Monday, June 26, to Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp is recommended for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skills to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website to learn more about registration, curriculum, and schedule. 

Other Summer Camp Opportunities

Registration is still available for Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA (E-IFTA) arts camps, Credit Recovery Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI).

Making the Transition to Middle or High School

Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and child. Listen to a recent episode of the FCPS multilingual podcast, En Pocas Palabras, to learn ways to ease the transition including:

• Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
• Getting to know middle school culture.
• Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
• Offering emotional support to your child.
• Reiterating your family values and expectations.
• Staying involved in your child’s school.

The most recent episode covers the transition to high school. When teenagers move from middle school to high school, a world of opportunities opens up. High school offers new courses, friends, activities, and responsibilities. Hear about these new opportunities in your teenager’s life and how parents can be supportive in the transition.

En Pocas Palabras is available in Arabic, English, Korean, and Spanish. Listen and subscribe

🎧 Podcast on Family Resource Center

In the latest episode of "En Pocas Palabras," hear how the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides supports for all FCPS families and school staff. Meet Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, manager of the FRC, and Amal Elsayed, family liaison. 

The Family Resource Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Contact the Family Resource Center at 703-204-3941 or frc@fcps.edu.   

"En Pocas Palabras" is available in Arabic, English, Korean, and Spanish. Listen and subscribe.

Tutoring Grants Available for Families

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is accepting applications from parents for tutoring microgrants for their children through the K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants program. 

The program was created to help Virginia families address the pandemic's impact on student learning. It provides $1,500 grants to parents of school-age children for tutoring in specific subjects. Children from homes with family incomes at 300% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for $3,000 grants. 

Available services include in-person, online, and hybrid tutoring provided one-on-one or in small group or large group settings. The first step in the process is to visit VDOE’s K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants page and create an application account.

with us throughout the year by:

• visit the Fairfax High School Website
• sign up/modify your membership to our message -  News You Choose
• visiting the Fairfax PTSA Website

Fairfax HS PTSA

Table of Contents:

• Notice of PTSA Membership Dues Adjustments
• All Night Grad Tickets on Sale Now!

  Notice of Membership Dues Adjustment

The National PTA is raising their annual membership dues by $1.75 for the first time in 12 years. To accommodate this increase, the FHS PTSA membership dues will adjust to $20 per parent, $12 teacher and $8 student for 2023-2024. This change will be voted on by membership on 6/13 at 7pm at the last PTSA meeting of the school year.

Graduation and All Night Grad coming soon!!

The Class of 2023 graduates Wednesday, June 7th!  In keeping with the 30+ year FHS tradition, the grads are invited to safely celebrate together at the All Night Grad Event the night of graduation at The St. James Sport and Entertainment Center. 

Purchase your student's ticket here:
https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/499302 

Tickets for All Night Grad (ANG) are $45 each, all inclusive of fun activities, DJ, food and prizes. Free & Reduced Lunch eligible students can get the discount ANG ticket order form in the main office.

Deadline to purchase tickets to secure t-shirt size is May 23rd. Students will pick up their ANG t-shirt after graduation rehearsal. The ANG t-shirt is their ticket into the event.

Senior and Junior parents: We need all hands on deck! Parent volunteers are needed to chaperone the event. Sign up here:

signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-allnight

The St. James requires a 10:1 ratio of students chaperones. It's really fun to experience the kids celebrating. 

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.

3501 Lion Run Fairfax, VA 22030  | Main Office: 703-219-2200

Attendance: 703-219-2211| Web