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Upcoming Events
November 18-19: Holiday Craft Fair, FHS
November 22-24: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
November 28: PTSA Meeting, 7:00pm, FHS Library
December 1: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Library
December 5: Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm, Auditorium
December 6: CollaBRRet, 7:00pm, Auditorium
December 7: Cultural Observance Day: Chanukah (sundown 12/7 - sundown 12/15)
December 8: Cultural Observance Day: Bodhi Day
December 12: Band Winter Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
December 18 - January 1: Winter Break, No School
January 12: Choir Cabaret, 7:00pm, Atrium (school lobby)
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
November 17, 2023
Greetings Fairfax Family and Friends,
It has been a PAWSome week here at FHS. Today we celebrated over 124 students who were recognized as Lions Taking the Lead, Portrait of a Graduate Allstars, or National Merit Scholars. Teachers and staff nominate these scholars each quarter and highlight their academic and social excellence. They can be nominated for improvement, excellence, or integrity.
On Thursday evening we celebrated a graduation program for our families and students that completed SCAN. These families committed to weekly classes focused on family, education, and community. CONGRATULATIONS!
DECA DAYS ALL DAY this week. Our DECA students hosted their DECA days workshops for a variety of classes and highlighted all aspects of our Marketing and CTE programs and what being a part of DECA means. We also started our new DECA Thrift Day, this is a new thrift shop stop in the school where students can shop, chill, play games, and build community around an innovative business model that meets students needs.
There was Food Fun as our FACS students headed to the FCPS tasting and feedback session. Our students were able to meet with, sample, and provide feedback on new menu items and vendors for FCPS school lunches. Student voice drives the right choices for healthy and tasty options.
If you are looking for a perfect fall Friday night, come out and support Fairfax football at South County. We are ready to ROAR. The marching band took the halls to send them off in style with a motivational march around.
As we get ready for a short upcoming week, my hope is that you are able to relax and spend time with your family and loved ones. I am excited to cook! My deepest gratitude to our Fairfax families and community who help make our school an amazing place. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.
In partnership always,
Celebrating our Students!
Lions Taking the Lead
 On Friday, we recognized our Lions Taking the Lead! These are students who were nominated by their teacher for academic and/or behavior improvement during first quarter. These students showcased one of our PAWS (Promote Empathy, Accountable Actions, Word Hard, or Self-Advocacy) or POG (Portrait of a Graduate) attributes. We were so excited to celebrate them!!
HBCU Field Trip
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Earlier today, 31 Fairfax students attended the HBCU Fair at Edison High School. Students had the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from over 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities across the country. Congratulations to seniors Malachi Mercy and Lanejah Corley who were offered on-site admission to Paine College and Langston University! Congratulations! |
Student Thrift Store
 Students Olivia Hollier and Eugene Lee organized a student thrift store during Lion Time classes. It was a huge success!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Inaugural FCPS Student Food Show
Staff Spotlight
- Rachel Arculin, FACS Teacher
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Happy Thanksgiving! Next Newsletter on Dec. 1
- Principal's Coffee, Friday, Dec. 1 @ 7:30am, Library
- Student Attendance and Engagement
- SAT/PSAT Scores & National Merit Info
- Last Day to Submit Employee Nominations!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
- Winter Clothing Assistance Available
- As the Days get shorter, Please be Safe!
- Special Education Resources for Families
- Science Fair Judges Needed
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- PTSA Membership - Join Today!
- All Night Grad
FACS Students Attend Inaugural FCPS Student Food Show
On Monday, November 13, Fairfax County Public Schools hosted its inaugural “Future of FCPS Student Food Show.” The Office of Food and Nutrition Services invited more than 200 students from 24 elementary, middle, and high schools to sample and provide feedback on various breakfast and lunch recipes.
Fairfax High School had seven students attend the food show, which was held at the Westfield Marriott. They tasted over 30 innovative and sustainable food concepts. Chaperoned by one of our Family & Consumer Sciences teachers, Rachel Arculin, the students gave valuable feedback on which foods they would like to see offered in the cafeteria.
The food show is necessary as FCPS cafeterias begin crafting scratch-made meals for every student. Looks like everyone had a great time!
 Offerings included vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, and Halal options. Many recipes were inspired by global cultures. Students were able to taste test several new menu items, including Tortellini and Birria Tacos.
Rachel Arculin, Family & Consumer Sciences
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Our Family & Consumer Sciences program is taught by Bridget McGinley and Rachel Arculin. Rachel Arculin is a FCPS high school graduate and a recent career switcher with a MS degree in Nutrition and Food Science. She loves hockey, tacos, and dogs (not necessarily in that order). Recently, her and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a trip to Spain. In her second year at FHS, Ms. Arculin appreciates that she’s able to provide a safe space in the kitchen lab for students to practice their social soft skills and hands on cooking techniques. |
Calendar Reminders ~ Happy Thanksgiving!
Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.
Next FHS newsletter on December 1
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Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next Principal's Desk newsletter will be published on Friday, December 1st. |
Principal's Coffee, Friday, December 1, 7:30am
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Our next Principal's Coffee is Friday, December 1, at 7:30am in the school library. This is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to connect and mingle with Dr. Aye and find out what's happening at school in a more casual setting. Join us! |
🙋 Student Attendance and Engagement
During the Academic Matters segment of the November 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed student attendance and engagement. Attendance and absenteeism rates are one measure for Goal 2 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Chronic absenteeism — which is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school for any reason — is a concern across Virginia school districts. Although FCPS continues to outperform the state average in attendance rates, we are tracking chronic absenteeism closely.
Data shows that:
- Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Attendance is critical for academic success!
Missing School Over the Holidays
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
SAT/PSAT Scores & National Merit Info
- SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Are Available
Students who participated in the School Day SAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on Thursday, October 26, will have access to scores on Thursday, November 16.
A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to FHS Assessment Coach, Leslie Trieu, latrieu@fcps.edu, if they have questions regarding SAT School Day score reporting.
- Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information
Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.
Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to [school PSAT coordinator’s name] if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Last Day to submit Nominations!
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.
Outstanding Teacher
Outstanding New Teacher
Outstanding Principal
Outstanding Leader
Outstanding Professional Employee
Outstanding Operational Employee
TODAY, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, is the deadline to submit nominations.
Questions, please contact the Principal's Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Cate, at 703-219-2223 or vmcate@fcps.edu. Thank you for your support!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and keep them at home if they are sick. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips. |
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 Winter Clothing Assistance
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Know anyone who needs winter clothing or extra assistance this season? Let them know about the resources available in the online Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide, or to call the Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at at 703-222-0880.  https://bit.ly/49ExD2A |
Please Be Safe!
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As cold weather approaches, a reminder that DOOR 1 opens for students at 7:30am each school day. Please prepare accordingly for the weather.
Also, as the days get shorter and the evenings grow darker, it is important for families and students to take extra safety measures for traveling home from school in the evening. See our tips for safe walking, biking, and busing home from school. http://bit.ly/3EjRRRo.
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Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
Science Fair Judges Needed!
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
FCPS News: In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Student Food Show
- Veterans Day Celebrations
- State Music Honors
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- PTSA Membership - Join Today!
- All Night Grad
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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ANG Donations Always Welcomed!
- 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.
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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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