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Upcoming Events
December 7-15: Chanukah
December 8: Cultural Observance Day: Bodhi Day
December 12: Band Winter Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
December 18 - January 1: Winter Break, No School
January 2: Classes resume, Blue Day
January 5: Principal's Coffee, 7:30-8:30am, Library
January 12: Choir Cabaret, 7:00pm, Atrium (school lobby)
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 FX Players hosted a musical evening of many talents at the annual collaBRRet!  
December 8, 2023
Happy Friday Fairfax Family,
This week we had the opportunity to get festive with our holiday orchestra concert and "collaBRRet" hosted by our theater department. The sounds of the season are both a beautiful and peaceful way to welcome the winter and all the wonder that it brings. Our student performances never disappoint, and we commend their commitment to practicing, training, and performing and we also recognize our staff's commitment to creating talented artists.
Business, bustle, and boisterous are the words to describe our " Market Days" Holiday Fair. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well as students created unique small businesses. These pop-up shops are student created with a mission and vision for success. From pretzels to popcorn, headbands to hot cocoa, and slime to skittles students exhibited a variety of sales and marketing techniques. Everyone at FHS was able to enjoy the spirit.
This week we welcomed visitors from FCPS to visit our classrooms to observe instructional practice. There were many celebrations as they looked for patterns and trends at Fairfax High School and confirmed that students at Fairfax High School are actively engaged, thinking critically, accessing technology for learning and innovation, and have strong relationships with their teachers and peers.
With only one week left until the holiday break we want to affirm to our community we are here for our families, our students, and our community. If you have any needs or supports, please reach out to the school for assistance and resources.
Enjoy your weekend and this spirit of the season.
In partnership always,
  Marketing & Business Teacher, Melanie West, and her students hosted Mane Market Days this week. Students had a fabulous time shopping, playing games and enjoying yummy treats!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
Staff Spotlight
- Tim Brown, School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS)
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Chanuka, Bodhi Day, Winter Break
- Important Info on Snow Days this Winter
- Attendance Matters!
- Staying Healthy this Cold/Flu Season
- Winter Clothing Assistance Available
- FHS Giving Tree
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Deadline for Yearbook Senior Ads is Next Week!
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Junior College Night
- 2024 Gap Year Fair
- As the Days get shorter, Please be Safe!
- Science Fair Judges Needed
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- PTSA Membership - Join Today!
- All Night Grad
Hoops for Hunger
This week, some of our marketing students did Hooping for Hunger, and collected so much food to help our families here at Fairfax high school, they did a great job! Please consider joining us for the next game - fans can bring 5 donation items to pay their way into the game. Our Lions are Leading the Way!
Make sure to join us on Dec. 13th and bring your donations!!
Thank you for your support!
Tim Brown, School Based Technology Specialist
Derrick Rauenzahn (Left) from Madison High School and Timothy Brown (Right) from FHS, recently presented at the Virginia Society for Technology Education on inclusive modern classroom assessment practices. The conference hosted 1100 educators from across the state.
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Tim Brown, the School-Based Technology Specialist at Fairfax High School, has been with FCPS for 24 years, and with FHS for 6. At Fairfax, he supports the faculty and staff by innovating and streamlining processes. His focus, with the teachers, is creating modern and innovative learning environments that engage the students' learning. When he is not at work, he spends his time learning, and moving his children from activity to activity. |
Calendar Reminders: Chanukah, Bodhi Day, Winter Break
 🕎 Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be a half-O day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids.
 Today, Friday, December 8, is Bodhi Day, the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year, including Bodhi Day. 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. Learn more about Bodhi Day in this video from the Miami Children’s Museum.
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As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18 - Monday, January 1. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
See the complete school year calendar.
❄️Snow Days this Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators providing a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers lending a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
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 |
Giving Tree
This year we are in the spirit of giving. If you have winter hats or gloves to donate, we would be happy to collect those items and they will become part of our giving tree in the Commons. |
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Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Yearbook Senior Ads Deadline!
A yearbook ad is the best way to commemorate this big year. Reserve a space for your senior as a special gift for this year and for years to come. They'll remember your support and treasure their yearbook.
To order, you’ll go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter the school code 5671. Then click continue. At the top right, there is a button that says “Yearbook Ads” and then “Buy a Yearbook Ad.” That will take you to the sizes and prices and from there the website will lead you through designing, choosing colors, and writing your message.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. David Greene by emailing dtgreene@fcps.edu.
Don't miss out!!
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:
- Snow Days
- Winter Break Reminder
- Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Junior College Night
We are almost halfway through junior year so it is time to start thinking ahead to the college admissions process!! This year’s format will be an in person, panel discussion and will be targeted to juniors who are interested in attending a four-year college or university. Four, very experienced College Admissions Officers will share valuable advice for your college search. We plan to ask important questions about research, preparation, applications, acceptance and making the final decision. We’ll wrap up with Q&A time dedicated to answering all of your admissions-related questions.
All juniors interested in attending a four-year college or university are encouraged to attend! Junior College Night Flyer 2024.pdf
Note: If you cannot attend on January 10, you are welcome to go to Madison HS on Tuesday, January 9 @ 7:00 pm, or Chantilly HS on Thursday, January 11 @ 7:00 pm. It will be the same exact program with most of the same speakers.
For more information, contact: Ms. Maureen Kim, Fairfax HS College & Career Specialist at MHKim@fcps.edu, or 703-219-2204.
✈️ 2024 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about increasing opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
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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Science Fair Judges Needed!
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Donations needed for Winter Break Treats for Staff
- "The Boys in the Boat" movie prescreening
- PTSA Membership
Winter Treat Donations Needed
Everyone has been working hard and the PTSA wants to thank each staff member with a second quarter winter treat bag. We are seeking donations to create staff winter treat bags! In an effort to streamline the process, we have created an AMAZON WISH LIST with items needed.
LINK TO ITEMS NEEDED: WINTER TREAT BAGS
*Please Note: When selecting a shipping address, make sure you select “Sandra Guidice-Murray” as the shipping destination. Orders should be placed no later than Friday, December 8, 2023.
Questions?? Contact:
Susan Skare: soldbysusan@skares.com
Laura Buice: laurabuice@gmail.com
Lisa Wooditch: lmwooditch@verizon.net
Sandy Murray: saguidice@hotmail.com
MANY THANKS for supporting our fantastic FHS staff and helping show our
appreciation! ~ The FHS Hospitality Committee
Sneak Preview: The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat” directed by George Clooney.
This private event is held 11 days (about 1 and a half weeks) before the movie’s Christmas Day release, Thursday, December 14 at 6:45pm. Based on the bestselling book, it is the story of 9 Americans and their quest for gold in 1936 Berlin Olympics.
FHS students- if you would like to join us, please fill out this Google form to claim your ticket!
https://forms.gle/9iPTbBTuAmb6i6wZ9
The location of the Cinemark theater will be shared in your confirmation email which must be shown at the door to be admitted. Each student needs their own confirmation email for their ticket! You will be notified next week if you have a seat, are on the waitlist, or the theater is full.
We look forward to seeing you at the movies!
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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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. |
- 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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