 |
|
Upcoming Events
September 22: FHS Family Fun Fest 5:30-6:30pm; Home Football game vs. LBSS @ 7:00pm
September 25: Holiday (Yom Kippur)
September 30: Mock SAT
October 9: Student Holiday: Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development Day)
October 11: PSAT Day
|
Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- Cafeteria Manager Wanda Lee
Student Spotlight
- National Merit Commended Students
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminder: Yom Kippur, Sep 25, School Holiday
- Blue Star Welcome Week, Sep 23 - Oct 1
- FHS Family Fest - TONIGHT!
- SR&R Acknowledgement Due
- Back to School Preventative Health Practices
- Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS)
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- September is Attendance Awareness Month
- City of Fairfax FIESTA! Sat, Sep. 25
- Fairfax City Emergency Preparedness Fair, Sat., Sep. 25
- Parent Support Circles
- Come Work for FCPS!
- School Bonds Benefit Students
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- Raffle Drawing
- Mock SAT/ACT
- All Night Grade Update
- Upcoming Parent/Caregiver Workshop
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Principal Aye welcomed FCPS Chief of Schools, Dr. Ponce, and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Reid, to FHS on Friday when they joined us for our Atten-DANCE! We greet students every Friday morning with a DANCE to get our Lions ready and motived for class!
September 22, 2023
Happy Friday Fairfax FRIENDS,
It has been a FANTASTIC Friday! We began the day with the excitement from our FHS Marching Band as they marched through our halls and offered us some ROARing tunes that both PUMP US UP and WAKE US UP. We moved right into our attenDANCE Challenge, as students and staff danced with one another and began our day committing to timeliness. We are preparing for a phenomenal ending to our week with our Fairfax Pyramid Night. Please come out and enjoy a beautiful fall evening filled with food trucks, farm animals, fun, and your FAIRFAX FAMILY. The fun doesn't end tonight because the Its Academic Trivia team heads to DC for a competition tomorrow! Stay Tuned for the broadcast time.
As we continue to focus on PAWSitive recognitions, we are excited to nominate our Feature Teachers and Staff. This week we celebrated teachers who were recognized by their students for making all the difference. Our honorees this month include - Mr. Stutzman, Ms. Richey, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Varanavage, Ms. Doyle, Ms. Cruley, Ms. Horton, Ms. Lopez, Mr. Miller, Mr. Friedman, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Plancich, and Ms. Greeves. CONGRATULATIONS LION LEADERS! If you look to the 50-yard line tonight, you will see some of our honorees between the first and second quarter of our Friday Night Lights.
This week was also an evening filled with celebration. On Monday night our City School Board recognized our dynamic World Languages Camp and its Camp Coordinators (our teaching staff and student interns). On Tuesday night the first PTSA meeting of the year convened, and our parents began planning for the year. On Wednesday night our Student Equity Ambassadors attended the district kickoff and committed to elevating equity and student voice in all the work we do.
I will end with some Portrait of a Graduate moments. In World History students exercised communication, collaboration and critical thinking as they engaged in a Socratic Seminar. Our chorus students sang in our atrium and warmed the hearts of all lions passing through as they communicated through song. Our art students also headed to the atrium to practice their figure drawings with the natural light, and you could feel the creative energy.
WE ARE CONNECTING, EDUCATING, and TRANSFORMING every day.
Yours in partnership,
Wanda Lee, Food Services Manager
 |
|
Congratulations to Food & Nutrition Services Manager, Wanda Lee, on her retirement! She has worked for 25 years in FCPS, and 8 years here at Fairfax HS. Ms. Wanda is a dedicated and hard-working staff member, who will be truly missed! Thank you for all your dedication, Ms. Lee, we appreciate you!! |
Congratulations to our National Merit Commended Students!
Socratic Seminar in World History
Art Students practice Figure drawing in the Atrium
Calendar Reminder: Yom Kippur, Sep 25
All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.
See the complete school year calendar.
Blue Star Welcome Week, Sep. 23 - Oct. 1
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 23 - October 1, 2023, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
Annual FHS Family Fest! TONIGHT!
Future Lions! Fairfax HS is holding a Family Festival just for you! There will be games, raffles, bouncy house, balloon animals and so much more! Kids there by 6:30 will get to run through the spirit tunnel on the field after the football team. https://t.co/97BV7kUv7X
✍️ SR&R Acknowledgement Due
FCPS’ updated Student Rights and Responsibility (SR&R) booklet is available online and in SIS ParentVUE. The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Each year, we ask parents/caregivers to review and sign the SR&R. The SR&R will be visible upon logging in to SIS ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgment has been completed.
Signatures are due by Friday, September 29. Please contact our front office if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet. Visit the SIS ParentVUE Account Overview webpage for help logging in to your account.
Back-to-School Preventative Health Practices
Flu season is quickly approaching, and communicable diseases continue to be present in our schools. We are committed to providing students with the education and support to help them succeed while maintaining a safe environment for in-person learning. Families and staff are encouraged to engage in the following health practices to prevent the spread of illnesses.
-
Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine (with rare exceptions). Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ and pediatricians’ offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
-
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. An updated COVID booster for the 2023-2024 season should be released in the coming weeks and will more effectively target the current circulating strains of the virus. Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in your community by visiting: vaccinate.virginia.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA or (877) 829-4682.
-
Check with your students’ healthcare providers to make sure they are up to date on their required school entrance immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form.
-
Check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. Parents/caregivers are advised to keep their children home if sick and get them tested for COVID-19 to stop further spread from occurring. Employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.
-
Don’t forget to wash hands regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and limit the time children spend in large group settings with contagious individuals whenever possible.
The most up to date information regarding COVID-19 school health practices is available on the Health and Safety Guidance Document webpage.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS)
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Like school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors, we do not provide treatment services, but we support students while they are in the buildings.
Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, staff, and the Fairfax County Community
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or suspected substance use involvement
- Assessing a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, making referrals to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate
- Group and individual interventions for students and in addition prevention services for students, staff, parents, and the Fairfax County community
- Most importantly, building positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses (English & Spanish)
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
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:
Sean McMahon
smcmahon@fcps.edu
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
September is Attendance Awareness Month
We All Belong at School
Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
FIESTA FAIRFAX CITY
Fiesta Fairfax!
Fiesta Fairfax is community celebration to observe Hispanic Heritage Month to include cultural performances, music, food and educational exhibits highlighting the contributions and experiences of the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx community. The Old Town Square stage will host folkloric dance performances from various countries as well as a salsa dance demonstration and class followed by a live band to practice your new dance moves. Our own FHS LUSA club will be performing, too!!
Latin food vendors from the around the area will be available to share the flavors from across Latin America. Area non-profit organizations will also be on-site to share information about services and opportunities to work with our growing Latino community.
Emergency Preparedness Fair, Sat., Sep. 23
Emergency Preparedness Fair
Prepare. Survive. Thrive.
Emergencies happen, but you can weather them better when you are prepared. Please join us for the Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, September 24, 2023, from 12pm-4pm, at the Sherwood Community Center.
Let the City of Fairfax Office of Emergency Management, City Fire Department, and City Police Department help you prepare for the inevitable, and give you the confidence and peace of mind that readiness conveys.
This is a free, family-friendly event.
Parent Support Circles
Want to talk about your 9th grader's transition to FHS? The first quarter crunch? Feel like you don't know other new FHS parents and want to connect around your 9th grade kiddo's needs? Please join Laura Kaniewski, FHS 8-9th grade Transition School Counselor, and Ashley Curl, School Social Worker, for a support circle to support your child’s first year in high school, and troubleshoot or celebrate anything that comes up!
We have several opportunities to join this group, but our first meeting will be on 9/8 at 8:30 AM here at FHS’ Family Engagement Center, and an additional circle on 9/12 from 5:30-6:30 PM before Back to School Night. This is a drop-in group and RSVP is required. Please RSVP or send questions to Ashley Curl (amcurl@fcps.edu) or Dara Markenson (dmmarkenson@fcps.edu). Space is limited to 20 participants.
Make a SUBstantial Difference!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers. Weekly virtual substitute teacher information sessions are held each Wednesday from 2:00-3:00pm. Register for an upcoming session on Wednesday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 4.
💲 Subs to Receive High-Volume Pay on High-Volume Days
The School Board has approved a list of 18 days for substitutes to receive high-volume pay. All teacher substitutes will receive their hourly pay plus an additional $80 for each high-volume day they work. See the list of high-volume days and more information.
A bonus program for substitutes who accept more than the 10 required days has also been approved. Substitutes working 50 days within a school year, will earn a $200 bonus. Substitutes working 100 days within a school year, will earn a $300 bonus. Substitutes working 150 days within a school year, will earn a $400 bonus. Get more information on this sub bonus program.
🏗️ School Bonds Benefit Students
A bond referendum to benefit Fairfax County Public Schools will be on the ballot this election season. The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds.
Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- Raffle Drawing
- Mock SAT/ACT
- ANG Info
Support FHS Students and Teachers!
 Donate today! We have a $3,000 fundraising goal to fund the PTSA budget fully. The Parent Teacher Student Association supports FHS through financing functions (e.g., college admission officer speakers) and supporting wellness, diversity, and volunteerism. The PTSA rewards academic achievement, offers student scholarships, funds classroom grants, teacher appreciation events, and the FHS Food Bank. We rely entirely on membership dues and donations to fund the PTSA budget, and as a 501(c)3, your donation is tax-deductible. For details on how the funds are spent, see the proposed budget:
Fairfax High School PTSA - Bylaws & Budget
PTSA Membership Raffles
Join the Parent Teacher Student Association, PTSA, to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your dues and donations work to fund all of our activities and programs. Scan the code provided or JOIN NOW for the most chances to win! Becoming a member does not mean you are committed to volunteer; it helps to keep you engaged and informed of what is happening in our school community and provides opportunities to get involved as your availability allows.
 |
|
Parent/Adult: $20
Teacher/Staff: $12
FHS Student: $8.
|
Congratulations to the following winners in the 2nd PTSA Membership Raffle on 9/13:
- FHS Tote Bag: Maureen Kim
- FHS Sweatshirt: Cassandra Woodward
-
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Julie Rotherham
If you have not been contacted already, please reach out to membership@fairfaxptsa.org
The 3rd and final Membership Raffle will be held on September 27th. Join Today!!
*All 2023-24 FHS PTSA members, including staff, students, parents, and board members who become individual members by midnight the night before the drawing, are eligible to win. Special thanks to: FHS Football, FHS Athletic Boosters, POPmo Shop and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Mock SAT (Digital Format)
Mock ACT (Paper Format
On Saturday, September 30, 2023 the FHS Academic Boosters will partner with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) 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. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75)
Test Time: Saturday, September 30th, 9:00am – 11:45am
Students must be from FHS and bring a fully charged FCPS Computer
SAT Practice Test Registration
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50)
Test Time: Saturday, September 30th, 9:15am – 1:30pm
ACT Practice Test Registration
Here are flyers for more information:
Academic Boosters Mock SAT 2023 (sept).pdf
Applerouth's Class of 2025 Testing Bifold.pdf
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org
All Night Grad (ANG) Party Update
Help Needed! The ANG Committee is in desperate need of a Money Manager. This administrative position is the person who keeps the books for ANG and liaises with the PTSA Treasurer. Last year’s ANG Chairs did this themselves. I am not a money person, so we really need to fill this spot. Please let me know if you might be willing to help or know someone who could (does not need to be a senior parent).
More Help Needed! Our first big fundraiser is running the FHS concessions stand at the Holiday Craft Show on November 18-19. Kate Smith has managed this event but is taking a break this year. But Kate has put together a grand how-to manual for running the Holiday Craft Show Concessions. We need someone to step up and manage this year’s craft show event. You will learn all you need to know from Kate’s manual. We will get lots of “worker-bee” support for this from volunteers. We need someone to be the “Queen (or King) Bee” for the event. Please let me know if you might be willing to take this on or know someone who could (does not need to be a senior parent).
Contact ANG@fairfaxptsa.org. Thank you for your support!!
 |
|
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. |
|
