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Upcoming Events
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 10: Junior College Planning Night, for students and parents, 7:00pm, FHS Auditorium
January 12: Choir Cabaret, 7:00pm, Atrium (school lobby)
January 15: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday)
January 16: PTSA meeting, 7:00pm, Library
January 17: ANG meeting, 7:00pm, Library
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
Happy Holidays!
December 15, 2023
From all of us at Fairfax High School to all of our community, our families, and our friends, we wish you a peaceful and rejuvenating winter break.
This last week before break has been filled with so much spirited fun and focused learning. We were able to recognize 1,200 Honor Roll recipients with certificates and a snack, seeing so many scholars lining up to celebrate academic success warmed my lion heart. Students were intent on finishing projects, essays, and studying for assessments before they transition into break mode.
At lunch each day this week we hosted "minute to win it" games and we had our holiday hits DJ drop by for some musical fun. "Fun Friday" was filled with laughter and competition as bingo, hot cocoa making stations, open gym, trivia, karaoke, and gingerbread design took over many of our spaces.
We enjoyed our winter band concert this week (and their version of Sleigh Ride, never disappoints). We were also delighted by the sounds of our carolers as they took to the halls and sang for our staff and students.
As the year comes to a close, I wish you a PAWSome holiday break and a ROARing New Year.
In partnership always,
Included in this issue:
Staff & Student Spotlight
- ESOL Department holds its First Ever Mini Market
- ESOL Dept. Chair, Elissa Robinson
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Outstanding Employee Finalists announced!
- Kevin Greata named Woodson HS Principal
- Calendar Reminders: Winter Break
- Snow Days this Winter
- Staying Healthy this Cold/Flu Season
- Winter Clothing Assistance Available
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Food Insecurity Resources
- Mental Health Teletherapy
- Using Tutor.Com over Winter Break
- Junior College Night
- Academy Open Houses start in January 2024
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Science Fair Judges Needed
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- All Night Grad
- Join the PTSA
ESOL Department holds first-ever Mini Market!
 Photos Courtesy of Sara Chae
Just some of our extraordinary ESOL Staff, including (L-R, front row), Sara Chae, Kyong Lee, (L-R, middle row) Candi Freeman, Elissa Robinson, Oindrila Banerjee, (L-R, back row) Olga Ayala, Carrie Mikhail, Kate Tiffany, Kate Scrivener, Michael Grace, Sarah Willens,
Elissa Robinson, ESOL Dept. Chair
Elissa Robinson has been teaching at FHS since 2015 and has spent the last several years as the ESOL department chair. Her goal in this role is to work with students and staff all over the building to make sure ESOL students can succeed in any class with any teacher. She also works closely with her amazing ESOL team to plan special events for students including a career day and a mini holiday market. The mini market was a chance for students to “shop” (for free) and choose gifts for loved ones. Teachers then wrapped the gifts and students could put a label or write a card so they are ready for the holidays. Elissa has recently become an FHS crew coach and enjoys working with the crew team. When she is not at work, Elissa dances ballet and tap, plays with her dogs, and does crafty things like crochet and Pysanky.
Outstanding Employee Finalists
We are pleased to announce our finalists for the 2024 Outstanding Employee Awards!
Teacher: Gabrielle Addy, History & Social Studies
New Teacher: Alex Johnson, English
Leader: Brian Plancich, Assistant Principal
Professional: Annie Santee, Employment & Transition Representative
Operational: Thanh Pham, Custodian I
Thank you to ALL who submitted nominations. We appreciate your participation and support!
Kevin Greata announced as new Principal of Woodson HS
Mr. Kevin Greata has been named the new principal of Woodson High School. Fairfax High School thanks Mr. Greata for his hard work and unwavering commitment to our school and community. He will be missed, but we wish him much success at Woodson. We know he will ROAR!
Calendar Reminders: Winter Break
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.
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 |
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
🍲 Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child in to this service.
📝 Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
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.
Academy Open Houses
 What is an FCPS Academy? A high school academy is a center within an existing high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation.
Fairfax High School students are eligible to attend Fairfax, Chantilly, or Falls Church Academies. Academy Open Houses start in January, for students to consider enrolling in classes for next school year. Check out the Open House list here:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high/career-and-technical-education/academies-and-specialized-programs
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.
Science Fair Judges Needed!
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Happy Holidays!
- ANG Update
- PTSA Membership
Happy Holidays!
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The PTSA would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous winter break. In 2024 join us as we continue to work toward making Fairfax High School the BEST high school for students and staff. Happy Holidays! |
ANG Update ~ Still Time to Donate in 2023!
Make a donation before the end of the year to help our seniors and earn a tax deduction for 2023!
We rely heavily on donations from families, friends and local businesses for support for All Night Grad. The All Night Grad Party is sponsored by the Fairfax High School PTSA, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.
You can make donations online at the PTSA’s giving-site: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/931830 Click the link and fill-in your donation amount
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
ANG: Next Meeting January 17, 2024 @ 7pm in the FHS Library
We encourage people to join us in person, but if that is not possible, we will be live streaming on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81199262921
Meeting ID: 811 9926 2921
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. |
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