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Upcoming Events
October 28: City Band Concert, 7:30pm, Auditorium
November 1: Theatre Boosters Meeting, 7:00pm on Google Meet
November 3: Principal’s Coffee, 7:30am, Library; End of First Quarter, 2HR Early Release
November 6-7: Student Holiday, No School
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Fairfax Pyramid Choir Concert
 Band and Orchestra Masquerade Concert led by Barbie (Mr. Fowkes) and Ken (Mr. Freeman)!
October 27, 2023
Greetings Fairfax Family,
We finished out a delightful HOCOlympics last week with our spirited victory over Robinson in football and our electrifying dance on Saturday night. These events highlighted the spirit and hearts of our student community and brought smiles and fun for everyone.
This week was a PAWSome WEEK-Athletics, Activities, and Arts galore. Every night this week was a showstopping highlight of what I like to call FAIRFAX FABULOCITY! Monday Night Field Hockey showed up and said, "Give us one more!" and clenched the Patriot district championship and at the same time our Volleyball team "Set and Served" a VICTORY! Tuesday night our Musical Masquerade took the stage led by our very own Mattel Music Directors ~ Mr. Fowkes and Mr. Freeman. Our student costumes and spooktacular sounds did not disappoint. On Wednesday students, staff, and our community came together for the Fairfax City School Superintendent Advisory Council meeting where we discussed capital improvements, safety, and all things education excellence. Thursday was a gorgeous day to watch our cross-country girls and boys compete in district competition at Burke Lake. We also had a great evening welcoming our Freshman parents as we continue to collaborate and navigate their high school beginnings. The Fairfax Pyramid Choir Concert packed the house with over 1,200 attendees savoring the melodic sounds of our students. Friday did not disappoint as the day was kicked off with the Fairfax Academy Career Expo inviting career and industry professionals into our home to showcase their stories, skills, and talents. We also had our friends from the National Guard drop in and collaborate on auto tech maintenance and the military.
We continue to focus on improvement, growth, and excellence. We truly want students to feel connected to our school, to feel challenged in their educational coursework, and to feel confident in stepping up and taking an active role in transforming their futures.
In partnership always,
  The Army National Guard stopped by our Auto Tech classes to help them work on a Humvee!
Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- DSS Jenny Payne, and Counselor Tracy Hartley
Student Spotlight
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: All Saints Day and Día de Los Muertos
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Federal Impact Aid Survey now Online
- From our SAPS: How to Converse with Teens about Substance Abuse
- Revive! Narcan Training, Nov. 15
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Outstanding Employee Nominations are now open!
- 2024 Governor's School Applications now open
- FX Players Presents: Romeo + Juliet
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- PTSA Membership
- PTSA Hospitality treats School Staff!
- All Night Grad
Jenny Payne, Director of Student Services
 FHS Director of Student Services, Jenny Payne, and her children helped out with the coin toss at last week's football game!
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We want to thank Jenny Payne for over 15 years of service to the Fairfax High School community. Ms. Payne has dedicated her career to student success, strategic counseling, and social and emotional support. She has been an advocate for our counseling team and student wellness every step of the way. Jenny has made the decision to transition to her community of South County where she will be the DSS at South County Middle School. We wish her much success in her new chapter. |
Counselor Tracy Hartley to serve as Interim DSS
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Tracy Hartley's journey at Fairfax High School began over 20 years ago when she started as a counselor for Fairfax Academy. She transitioned to FHS as a school counselor, working closely with students, families, and staff, guiding and supporting their personal and academic growth. Beyond her professional life, Ms. Hartley's greatest joy is spending time with her husband and family. She would like to express her deep gratitude to the Fairfax High School community for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout her career. Ms. Hartley is excited to continue working together to nurture the growth and potential of our students.
Tracy Hartley
thartley@fcps.edu
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Owen Korzak
 Principal Aye with Owen Korzak, who was on the Homecoming Royalty Court.
Senior Owen Korzak:
- Varsity Cross Country Captain
- Varsity Spring Track
- FHS Swim
- DECA Officer
- Glass Recycling Network President
- Fairfacts Editor
- Peer Mentor
- NHS Mentor
Fun Fact: A fun fact about Owen is that he can name every Buffalo Bills player to score a touchdown since 2015!
🗳️ Calendar Reminder: All Saints Day and Día de Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2, are observance days this year. To learn more about Día de los Muertos, watch this video. While Día de los Muertos is largely celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, it also coincides with All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). These days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants worldwide to honor those who have died and gone to heaven (All Saints Day) and those who may still be in purgatory (All Souls Day). The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
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The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
March 5, 2024 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as it does on other professional work days.
See the complete school year calendar.
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District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Results of Fairfax County Youth Survey
- Become a Tutor!
- End of First Quarter
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Federal Impact Aid Survey: Now Online
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.
Conversing with Teens about Substance Abuse
Within this society’s culture sometimes we avoid talking about topics that make us uncomfortable but can be both lifesaving and changing, such as finances and drugs. Are there things that would have really made a difference in some of your experiences if known when younger, that can be shared with your teenager now? Here’s a few tips for talking about substance use and misuse with your teenager.
Avoid:
- Overgeneralizations/horror stories; Ex: “People who use drugs go to jail and end up homeless.” - That is not true for most people.
- Sharing about how you used to do drugs; Ex: “I smoked in high school, so I understand wanting to experiment.” - The THC content in marijuana is much higher than when you may have used.
- Having loose boundaries; Ex: “It’s okay if you do it at home, but not anywhere else.” - This creates a gray area and demonstrates an acceptance for not following rules and established boundaries.
Tips:
- Have a united front or if alone be consistent. Both parents need to communicate the same message. No good cop, bad cop.
- Recognize addiction in your family. Speak the unspoken. Share information that could help your teen make an informed decision about “playing with fire” since they’re genetically predisposed.
- Set a desired outcome for the conversation. What do you want your teen to understand before you start the conversation?
- Focus on their health as important and a concern versus behavior. Avoid finger pointing literally and figuratively.
- Set firm expectations & boundaries. Clearly explain what is and isn’t acceptable for your household and the associated consequences.
- Keep a “cool head”
- Withhold judgment
- Be direct
- Be prepared for your teen’s reaction.
Resources:
Helpful Info to Quit Vaping: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/free-e-cigarette-quit-program
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Presentation.
Video: Knowing the signs of Substance Abuse
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
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
smcmahon@fcps.edu
Revive! Narcan Training, Nov. 15
Please join the Fairfax County Community Services Board as they offer a training on site at FHS in how to administer Naloxone in the event of an overdose emergency from 3:15-4:15 PM on November 15th (after school). Families, students, and staff are encouraged to attend, and will receive a free box of Narcan upon completion of the training.
Space is limited, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/6pURFud5mKLBhFR16
More information:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Outstanding Staff Nominations are here!
Do you have 5-10 minutes to tell someone at Fairfax High School how outstanding they are?
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Fairfax High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form linked in each title. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 17, 2023.
Questions, please contact the Principal's Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Cate, at 703-219-2223 or vmcate@fcps.edu. Thank you!
2024 Governor's School
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in Academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website and view the promotional video.
To be considered for an academic or VPA Governor’s school, students must complete the steps below.
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Complete the interest form linked below for either Academics or VPA. The form is a required part of the application process and is due November 3rd. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain.
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Attend our school interest meeting which will take place on October 25th at 10:15 in the library. Attendance at the meeting is optional but strongly encouraged.
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Complete the application for the specific program you wish to apply to and return it to Ms. Markenson, dmmarkeson@fcps.edu, or Ms. Bush, mbush@fcps.edu, in Student Services.
- Academic applications are due to the school on December 8, 2023.
- VPA applications are due to the school on January 31, 2024.
Fx Players Presents ROMEO + JULIET 🌹
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Fairfax High School Theatre presents ROMEO + JULIET on November 9, 10, 11 at 7:00 p.m. and November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at
https://www.fxplayers.org/
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with us throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- No Fuss Fundraiser
- PTSA Membership
- PTSA Hospitality Team treats School Staff!
- 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
Become a PTSA Member and/or Donate Today!
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 to JOIN NOW, and/or you can make a DONATION TODAY! Becoming a member does not mean you are committed to volunteering; Membership helps fund our budget, gives voting privileges, helps to keep you engaged and informed of what is happening in our school community, and provides opportunities to get involved if desired.
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Parent/Adult: $20
Teacher/Staff: $12
FHS Student: $8
Thank you!
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PTSA Treats for a BOO-tiful staff!
 Photo Credit: FHS Community Activities Instagram
Your PTSA Hospitality Team celebrated teachers and staff this Halloween with end of quarter treats bags! We had assistance assembling these goodie bags from Ms. Santee’s career preparation and WAT class (work awareness and transition). Perfect collaboration!
Keep an eye out for future SUG’s (sign up genius) or give a monetary donation for future PTSA teacher and staff appreciation events! Link below👇
https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/691099
ANG Update ~ We Need You!
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Our next Committee Meeting is on November 15, 7:00 pm, at FHS in the Multi-Purpose Room in the C wing, room C105, near the cafeteria.
We encourage people to join us in person, but if that is not possible, we will be live streaming on Zoom:
Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81199262921
Meeting ID: 811 9926 2921
Let the Fundraising Begin! ! !
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- Holiday Craft Show Concessions Sign-up
It is time for our first big fundraiser for the All Night Grad Party – the Holiday Craft Show Concessions. The City of Fairfax holds its Holiday Craft Show at FHS on November 18-19. The All Night Grad Committee runs the concessions at the show all weekend and gets the proceeds from those sales. This is a very popular event and draws large crowds, so we sell a lot of concessions. We have the potential to make a lot of money in one weekend!
To make this a success, we need help from parent and student volunteers. Below is the link to our online sign-up to volunteer for a shift. We have shifts throughout both days. Students who volunteer will earn service hours.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-45287937-concessions
A large part of the All Night Grad Party budget comes from this fundraiser, so please help in any way you can!
- Donate to Support the All Night Grad Party
Donations to the All Night Grad Party are always welcome. If you or your friends and family
would like to donate to the All Night Graduation Party, you can donate online at the
PTSA’s giving site: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/931830
- Fundraising Coordinators Are Still Needed
The All Night Grad Committee is still in need of people to take on the following fundraising positions:
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Silent Auction Coordinator: This role organizes the collection of items to be bid on and the running of the All Night Grad Silent Auction online. This is a great role for those who love a good auction!
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Community Donations Coordinator: This role oversees the outreach to community organizations and businesses to collect financial support for All Night Grad.
If you can do one of these jobs alone, take it on with a friend and be “co-coordinators.”
If you have any questions about the All Night Grad Party or want to talk about how to help, please email us at ANG@fairfaxptsa.org.
We look forward to all parents’ support for the All Night Grad Party. 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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