 |
|
Upcoming Events
October 6: Class of 2024 Senior Portraits, 3-8pm
October 9: Student Holiday: Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development Day)
October 11: PSAT Day
October 17: PTSA Meeting, 7pm, Library
October 18: ANG Meeting, 7pm, Library
October 20: Homecoming Game, 7pm
October 21: Homecoming Dance, 8pm
October 26: Freshman Parent Night, 5:30pm, Library
November 3: End of First Quarter, 2HR Early Release
|
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
Staff Spotlight
- A note from PBIS Coordinator, Cheryl Spevak
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Indigenous Peoples; Day, LGBTQ+ History Month
- PSAT Day, October 11
- Digital Resource Form Due Now
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- FHS Volleyball: Dig Pink!
- Homecoming Volunteers Needed
- Freshman Parent Night, Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:30pm, FHS Library
- Fairfax County Shark Tank Challenge!
- College Fair, Oct. 15 @ Eagle Bank Arena
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Join PTSA!
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- All Night Grad
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
Thank you, Principal Aye!
October is National School Principals Month. Thank you, Principal Aye, for the essential role you play in making Fairfax High School so great!
October 6, 2023
It's a Fabulous FAIRFAX Friday!
Today we celebrated our Academic Lettering and recognized over 550 Lions with their academic letter, pin, certificate and a tasty treat. Classrooms this week were activating all the Meta-POG-Nition as we observed several students working on project-based learning tasks. In Ms. McGinley's FACS students worked on culinary skills while serving up spicy potatoes. In Mr. Ege's STEM class students were creating 3-D renderings of their dream houses. We found several students under the hood in Mr. King's Auto Tech garage as they completed car and engine assessments. Mr. Freeman's band students provided a toe-tapping experience as they practiced reading site music.
This week, as we continue to encourage PAWSomeness EVERYDAY we want to emphasize the "W." The "W" stands for "Work Hard "in all you set out to do. We are over midway through Quarter 1; this is a great time for the reminder to review SIS and Schoology with your student. Make a plan with your student if they need to engage in remediation or to plan for a retake in a class. Lion Time is available to support students' needs and we also offer our late buses on Wednesday and Thursday where students can receive additional support in our Learning Lounge or make arrangements with their teacher to stay and work together.
A reminder that there is no school on Monday and on Wednesday students will take the PSAT, SAT, and our FIRST EVER ESOL CAREER Day. Wednesday is also an early release day.
Have a "ROAR"tastic Weekend!
WE ARE CONNECTING, EDUCATING, and TRANSFORMING every day.
Yours in partnership,
We held our Academic Lettering event today ~ 550 Lions earned their academic letters! Congratulations!!
Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
 Student Spotlight: Trenice Anderson. Trenice has received FOUR PAWSitive referrals: twice for Promoting Empathy, for Advocating for herself, and for working hard. Trenice shows Fairfax Spirit by being a cheerleader, and a motivated, engaged, and empathetic student. Four different teachers, wrote her PAWSitive referrals!
Staff Spotlight
PBIS Coordinator, Cheryl Spevak
 This year, we have instituted a PBIS system in our school. PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies; our goal is to be proactive instead of reactive, and thus create a more positive environment for stakeholders at Fairfax. One of the first initiatives is PAWSitive referrals, wherein a student has done something that shows off one of our four core values of Fairfax: Promote Empathy, Accountable Actions, Work Hard, and Self-Advocacy. So far, we have gotten 207 PAWSitive referrals from teachers across the building complimenting students. Each week, Mrs. Spevak, our Joy Coordinator who is responsible for the PBIS initiatives, goes around the school to find the nominated students and give them a small token of congratulations along with the certificate, which states the value the student showcased, the teacher who gave the student the compliment, and a description of what the student did. Students have had a variety of responses to their compliments, but all of them have been positive (and many of them have been sheer surprise that a teacher noticed and cared about their actions!). We’re working on encouraging students to take both their academics and their character seriously.
Calendar Reminder: Indigenous Peoples' Day
 Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.
 LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
See the complete school year calendar.
October 11: PSAT Day
FCPS high schools are administering the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day on October 11, 2023. On this day school staff will be supporting the administration of these tests for our tenth through twelfth grade students.
Therefore, on Wednesday October 11, 2023, most ninth grade students will have an unscheduled school day. On this day ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Seniors who have not signed up for the SAT will also have an unscheduled school day. Seniors are encouraged to complete any missing work as well as work on their college applications if applicable.
Please note that ninth grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 11.
If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT administration or alternative activities, please contact Leslie Trieu at latrieu@fcps.edu.
Digital Resource Form DUE NOW
 Photo Credit: Michael Hession
Some of the digital resources your student may use this year will require your consent before they can be used. To ensure that the use of these digital resources in classroom instruction is not delayed, we ask that families review the policies regarding digital resources, the list of approved digital resources, and have the enrolling parent or guardian sign the digital resource consent form. Please note that your child will not be able to use the digital resources until we have received your consent.
Fairfax High School teachers use a variety of digital resources to support student learning that promote communication and collaboration both with students and families. You can find the FCPS list of resources that require parental consent at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent. In addition, the following page provides information regarding the careful review process FCPS uses for digital resource approval and why your consent is necessary: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/digital-resources.
Please reach out to Tim Brown (twbrown@fcps.edu) if you have questions or concerns about the digital resources we are using this year.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Recent Works Art Show, Oct 20-21
Fairfax HS Art Teacher, Heather Dilatush, will be one of six FCPS art educators showing artwork at the Recent Works Art Show at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Friday, October 20, 6-9pm and Saturday, October 21, from Noon to 6pm. Part of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. It is a wonderful Fall Show!
🏐 Help FHS Volleyball Dig Pink! Oct 18
 Join Fairfax Volleyball in the fight against breast cancer! We are collaborating with the Side-Out Foundation for our Dig Pink fundraising campaign to raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer. Every $2,000 raised through Dig Pink allows Side-Out to provide an unprecedented analysis to metastatic breast cancer patients and their oncologists. Together, we can make a difference and provide hope for a brighter, cancer-free future. 💕 #DigPink
https://giving.side-out.org/campaigns/19479
Our Dig Pink night will be on Wednesday 10/18. Freshman/JV @ 5:00pm, Varsity at 6:30pm. Thank you for your support!
Homecoming Volunteers Needed!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HOCO PARADE!
Do you have a convertible, jeep or truck? If you are available to drive a car or can volunteer your car on Oct 20th, 2023 from 3:30-5pm, please fill out this form: Car/Driver Volunteers
Would you like to volunteer for an intersection during the parade?
Fill out this form: Hoco Volunteer Sign-up
Please email kathleenmurray570@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Freshman Parent Night, Oct. 26
 |
|
Mark your Calendars!
Freshman Parent Night will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26 @ 5:30 p.m. in the school library.
Keep an eye on this space for more details to come!
|
Shark Tank Challenge
 |
|
Calling All High School Students:
Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge
The 8th Annual Student "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge has commenced, and details about this year's competition are now available online. This event is open to all high school students in Fairfax County, and participants will be tasked with developing an innovative device or app that could positively impact the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. The initial project proposal must be submitted by December 15, 2023, while the final submissions will be due April 3, 2024. Cash prizes will be awarded by the sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners, and winners will be recognized by the Board of Supervisors in May 2024. Learn more.
|
College Fair, Oct. 15, Eagle Bank Arena
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS College Fair and the Postsecondary Virtual events. The College Fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. The fair will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7 p.m.
The Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, 5-8 p.m. The virtual event will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities.
Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Join PTSA!
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- ANG Info
Support FHS Students and Teachers!
 Donate today! We have a $2,000 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
Become a PTSA Member TODAY!
 |
|
Parent/Adult: $20
Teacher/Staff: $12
FHS Student: $8
Thank you!
|
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.
Final round of winners from our September 27th drawings!
- FHS Mousepad: Toby Sorensen
- FHS Lanyard: Julie An
- Free Bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes: Veronica Chavez
If you have not been contacted already, please reach out to membership@fairfaxptsa.org
*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.
All Night Grad (ANG) Update
The All Night Grad Committee had its kick-off meeting this past week. We are off and running towards making All Night Grad 2024 a huge success for our seniors.
Thanks to those parents who came out for the meeting.
Even if you weren’t able to make the meeting, we are still looking for parents to join our committee. There are a number of ways to be involved in the Committee.
Make a donation for the All Night Graduation Party.
Donate here: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/931830
Encourage local businesses and community groups to donate!
Help out by taking the lead with:
- Online Silent Auction
- Coordinating Community Donations
- School Communications and Social Media
Join us at our next Committee Meeting on October 18, 7:00 pm, FHS Library.
If you have any questions on the All Night Grad Party, or would like to talk about how you can help, please email us at ang@fairfaxptsa.org.
Together, we will make this a night for our seniors to remember!
 |
|
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. |
|
