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Upcoming Events
October 17: PTSA Meeting, 7pm, Library
October 18: ANG Meeting, 7pm, Library
October 20: Homecoming Game, 7pm, Stalnaker Stadium
October 21: Homecoming Dance, 8-11pm, Field House
October 26: Fall Pyramid Choral Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
October 26: Freshman Parent Night, 5:30pm, Library
October 28: City Band Concert, 7:30pm, Auditorium
November 3: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library; End of First Quarter, 2HR Early Release
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Included in this issue:
Student & Staff Spotlight
- FHS Auto Tech Program, and Instructor John King
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Disability History & Awareness Month, Teentober
- Info from our SAPS: How to Prevent Substance Misuse
- Know the FCPS Security Terms
- Important Info: Student Food Deliveries
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
- SEL Screener Info
- Freshman Parent Night, Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:30pm, FHS Library
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Upcoming Solar Eclipses
- College Fair, Oct. 15 @ Eagle Bank Arena
- FHS Volleyball: Dig Pink!, Oct. 18
- Homecoming Parade Volunteers Needed, Oct. 20
- Homecoming Tickets are on sale!
- Recent Works Art Show, Oct. 20-21
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- PTSA Membership
- All Night Grad
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Dr. Aye got the privilege of recognizing Ms. Perry's entire Algebra 2 class for being PAWSome!  They are showing all of our FHS attributes daily! #connecteducatetransform
October 13, 2023
Greetings Fairfax Family,
I hope this weekly message finds you well.
We understand our community is deeply impacted by global events. Fairfax High School wants all of our students, staff, and families to know we are committed to creating a culture of care and support for everyone. If your student or your family is struggling, we have resources and staff available to help. If you see or hear something hateful, please say something and allow us to continue supporting a safe culture of community for all. We are meeting with our student stakeholders, providing teacher resources, and also have counseling support available for students and staff. This week, Dr. Reid also shared a message to our FCPS community: FCPS Remains Committed to Maintaining Safe and Secure Schools.
Weekly Recap:
This week has been a busy week. On Monday, our staff engaged in professional development sessions facilitated by their colleagues around equity, differentiation, learner access, evaluations, assessments, and positive behaviors. The opportunity to learn and grow from one another is so important as we continue to strengthen our community.
On Tuesday evening it was nothing but spirit as our FHS Cheerleaders stunted their way into 2nd place at districts - Amazing sportsmanship and teamwork!
Our students continued to show us their dynamic skills of flexibility as they tackled the first ever digital administration of the PSAT and SAT. We also hosted the FHS ESOL career day. The morning was filled with workshops from returning lions sharing their high school and college and career journeys, local service agencies like our police, fire, and EMS offering training demos, and several booths from local universities, trade schools, career services, and military. We invited our friends from Woodson to join us for a morning of exploration.
This week we also recognized students for their continued "PAWSitive" behaviors. Ms. Perry recognized her entire Algebra 2 class for showing every attribute, every day as they support one another in their community. The class is committed to P-promoting empathy, A-accountable actions, W-working hard, and S-self-advocating for success.
Our Auto Tech program was featured this week on ABC News. Find the story here: Auto Tech program on ABC7 News.
As the quarter moves ahead, please log in and check both SIS ParentVue and Schoology with your students. We have a few weeks before the end of the quarter and students could attend Lion Time, stay for extra help on Wednesday or Thursday, and also access the support of Tutor.com if they need help while home.
Next week will begin our Homecoming festivities. It always feels good to celebrate your home and for our alumni to come home. The week will be filled with spirit days, competitions, assemblies, the pep rally, the parade, the tailgate, the football game and the dance or movie.
In partnership always,
Our first ESOL Career Fair was a huge success! Kudos to ESOL Teacher, Elissa Robinson, and ESOL Counselor, Jeana Squif, for all their hard work in making this happen!
FHS Auto Program featured on ABC7 News
 Our FCPS Auto Tech Program was featured on ABC7 News this week. Reporter Joy Wang visited our school recently to interview Instructor John King, and his students. She found out what we already knew - that our students are gaining valuable knowledge and skills that lead to careers while still in high school! See the full story here: FHS Auto Program on ABC7 News
Calendar Reminder: Disability History Awareness, and Teentober
Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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Teentober
TeenTober™ is a nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services help teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library.
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How to Prevent Substance Misuse
It’s true, teens are more likely to listen to peers rather than their parents, it is part of this stage in development. When a baby is born, the brain’s sole responsibility is focused on keeping them alive. As they grow into adolescence, finding their tribe becomes important. Think about your top three happiest memories up to this point in life. What were you doing? How did you feel? Who was there? Each of these memories was likely a shared experience with others. Likely you were laughing and smiling with loved ones, maybe food was involved. Now shift to think about your three worst memories. What was going on? How did you feel? Who was there? In each of these memories, you likely were alone or felt alone.
Substance use becomes a problem for some because they either are or feel alone. Connection is an important aspect in our everyday lives. Fairfax County’s "Three to Succeed" describes protective factors to help youth achieve their higher selves. If a child has at least three of these protective factors, they are more likely to succeed in life. They include: having high personal integrity, trusted adults to talk to, performing community service, participating in extracurricular activities, teacher recognition of effort and good work, and parents availability for help. What is noticed is that five of the six protective factors involve connection with someone else, and the first protective factor describes connection with self.
Helpful Resources:
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Substance Use Prevention & Encouraging Healthy Brain Development
REVIVE Training for Opioid Overdoses
FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
For further information & support:
Sean McMahon
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
smcmahon@fcps.edu
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to specify the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn more about the definitions of the security terms: lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
REMINDER: Student Food Deliveries
Fairfax High School does not allow food delivery during the school day. Please reinforce with your child that ordering from a delivery service during school is not allowed. Students will often have a delivery driver come to an entrance other than Door 1, which compromises the safety of the entire school. Our staff does not have the capacity to manage food deliveries and will not open the doors for Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash or any other service. Students should not be leaving the building to meet anyone for deliveries.
If your child forgets their lunch, parents or guardians can bring lunch and drop it off in the main office for your child to pick up. We strongly encourage parents/guardians to load at least a few dollars on your child’s lunch account for situations where they have forgotten lunch. There are a number of options served at lunch, including a salad bar 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!
SEL Screener Info
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. SEL helps students develop the necessary skills to succeed in various aspects of life. In FCPS, students use a tool called a "screener" to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. This screener helps them evaluate how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported. FHS students will be completing the Fall SEL Screener during their English classes on Oct. 24/25. Parents and guardians who prefer that their child not take part in the SEL Screener can complete the opt-out in SIS ParentVUE. For more information about the SEL screener, please see the link below.
https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
Freshman Parent Night, Oct. 26
Parents/Guardian of the Class of 2027! Please join us in the FHS Library for our Freshman Parent Meeting on Thursday, October 26. Hear informative sessions, buy spirit wear, join the PTSA.
5:30pm:
9th grade Counselors, Dean of Students, and FHS Leaders
6:00-7:00pm:
- Substance Abuse: Trends and Truths, with Sean McMahon, FHS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
- Instruction in 9th Grade: Q&A with 9th grade Instructional Staff
Supervised childcare will be available in the library conference room.
Questions? Contact Counselors Laura Kaniewski, lekaniewski@fcps.edu; Dara Markenson, dmmarkenson@fcps.edu; or Liz Velazco, ecvelazco@fcps.edu.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
🌒 Upcoming Solar Eclipses and How to View Them Safely
There will be an annular eclipse on Saturday, October 14. Virginia is not in the direct path of the moon’s shadow, so we will only be able to see a partial eclipse in this region. FCPS has gathered resources for students and families to learn more about the eclipse, and how to view it safely.
Save the date for a more dramatic event! On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total eclipse will be viewable from North America.
College Fair, this weekend @ 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.
🏐 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!
Homecoming Dance, Sat., Oct. 21, 8-11pm.
The Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21st @ 8PM in the Field House. Tickets are on sale now!
The Etix link can be found here: HOCO TICKETS and ON FLYERS around the school. You can also pay with cash on FRIDAYS ONLY during all 4 lunches in the main hallway 🎟️
For the Dance:
- Make sure to bring a STUDENT ID or show your SIS ACCOUNT if you don't have an ID
- Guest forms can be found outside the athletic office (H107) and must be turned back in to the activities office BY WED OCT 18th 📝
- You must fill out the form and have it signed by BOTH school's principals BEFORE turning it back in
There will be CONCESSIONS and a COAT CHECK so make sure to bring cash!! 💵🍔🧥
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!
with us throughout the year by:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- PTSA Membership
- All Night Grad
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
PTSA Membership
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Parent/Adult: $20
Teacher/Staff: $12
FHS Student: $8
Thank you!
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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 click JOIN NOW to become a member. 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.
ANG Update ~ Now the Work Begins!
Join us for our next meeting!
Our next Committee Meeting is on October 18, 7:00 pm, at the FHS Library (upstairs).
We encourage people to join us in person, but if that is not possible, we will be live streaming on Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86566477492
Meeting ID: 865 6647 7492
Fall is fundraising season for the All Night Grad Committee!
Our biggest fundraiser is running the concessions stand at the Holiday Craft Fair at Fairfax High. That event is November 18-19. We will be sending out Sign-up Genius links asking for volunteers and donations of food and drinks for the concessions.
If you already know you want to help out at the Holiday Craft Fair, you can email us at: ANG@fairfaxptsa.org
We also rely heavily on community donations for support for All Night Grad. We are looking for someone who can coordinate our outreach to local donors. This is a great job if you want to help out at your convenience from home.
If you, or your friends and family, would like to make a donation to the All Night Graduation Party, you can donate online at the PTSA’s giving-site: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/931830.
Donations are tax-deductible.
In addition to fundraising, we are still looking for someone to fill the role of School Communications and Social Media Coordinator. If you, or someone you know, has a flair for social media we’d like your help in spreading the message about All Night Grad.
If you have any questions about 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!
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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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