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Upcoming Events
January 10: Junior College Planning Night, for students and parents, 7:00pm, FHS Auditorium
January 11: Curriculum Night 6:00-8:00pm, Auditorium
January 12: Choir Cabaret, 7:00pm, Atrium (school lobby)
January 13: Forensics Tournament
January 15: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday)
January 16: PTSA meeting, 7:00pm, Library
January 17: ANG meeting, 7:00pm, Library
January 20: VHSL One Acts @ West Springfield HS
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
Rage on the Stage!
 Earlier this week, our Wrestling team had a RAGE on the STAGE with a Home match vs. Woodson, and celebrated our Seniors! Go, Lions!
January 5, 2024
Happy New Year Fairfax Families,
I hope that each of you enjoyed a restful, relaxing, and rejuvenating winter break. It is always so exciting to welcome the students and staff back to school after a long break. Their energy, excitement, and enthusiasm are a constant reminder of how special Fairfax High is and how lucky I am to serve our community. One of our classic FHS events is "Rage on the Stage" where our wrestling team takes to the auditorium in fierce and dramatic competition and this event did not disappoint on Wednesday night as we secured the victory and recognized our Seniors.
2024 has just begun and we are already planning for a PAWSOME 2024-2025 school year. Today we hosted our Curriculum Fair and The Class of 2024 Senior Meeting. During the Curriculum Fair students were able to visit four different classes and experience the course content. Students had over 157 session options and teachers showcased some of the amazing projects and opportunities their courses provide. We cannot wait to begin building schedules and championing all student's passions and interests. During the Senior presentation THE CLASS OF 2024 was getting pumped up for their final countdown to the graduation stage. We discussed activities, graduation, next chapters, and finishing strong and then we had some fun and ate donuts and played a solid round of "Finish that Song."
We will host our Curriculum and Community Night on January 11, from 6:00-8:00pm. This is a great event to have all of your course questions answered, and work with your student to build the best schedule for their future and their interests. After this event, we invite you to stick around for our basketball game against Woodson! The whole night will be filled with excitement and energy.
Thank you for your continued partnership and being READY TO ROAR in THE NEW YEAR!
In partnership always,
Included in this issue:
Staff Spotlight
- Ashley Anderson, Director of Student Services
Student Events Spotlight
- Curriculum Night
- Academic Advising
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Three Kings Day/Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas
- Snow Days this Winter
- Opioid Awareness and Resources
- Safe Students, Safe Schools
- Attendance Matters
- Class of 2024 Senior Dues and Parent Meeting
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- NOVA Early Online College Course Registration
- New Financial Aid Form
- Junior College Night, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7pm, Auditorium
- Academy Open Houses start in January 2024
- Science Fair Judges Needed
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- All Night Grad Meeting, January 17, 7:00pm, Library
- Join the PTSA
Ashley Anderson, Director of Student Services
Fairfax High School is elated to announce that Ashley Anderson has joined the Fairfax Family as our Director of Student Services. Ashley brings an innovative mind and caring heart to this position and is excited to connect with our students, staff, and community.
For the last 8 years, Ashley has worked as a School Counselor at James Madison High School, a place that holds special significance as it is also where she graduated. Her deep connection to the community has been a source of valuable experiences and gratitude. The leadership, growth, and development she has experienced in her counseling role has primed her for her new role at FHS.
Ashley is a Virginia Tech graduate where she obtained her undergraduate and graduate degree. She received her administration and supervision certification through the Accelerated Administrative Cohort through FCPS. Throughout her journey, she has taken on leadership roles in various capacities, such as AP Testing Coordinator, 9th Grade Transition Program, MTSS Wellness Lead, SEL Lead, Equity Lead, College Partnership Program sponsor, and Collaborative Team Lead. In her roles, Ashley actively works to build relationships with students, teachers, and the community, aiming to create a welcoming environment for all. She believes in a collaborative approach to problem-solving, recognizing its importance in the evolving landscape of students and communities. Ashley is particularly passionate about creating space for student voice.
Family and community are core aspects of Ashley's identity, both personally and professionally. She is from a Navy/Air Force family, but has been local for many years. Her father and brother live in Maryland and her mother lives in Pensacola, FL. Ashley is the proud Auntie of one niece and enjoys spending as much time with her as she can.
Curriculum Night, January 11, 6-8pm
Students and parents are invited to come and learn more about the courses we offer. All departments will be represented, and staff will be available to answer any questions students may have. We will also be hosting a few information sessions. These sessions will include Welcome Remarks (starting at 6:00 in the Auditorium), Rising 9th grade Information (starting at 6:10 PM in the Auditorium), a post-secondary information session (starting at 6:15 PM), and discuss challenges and excitement around your child attending high school (starting at 7:00 in the Parent Engagement Center). Join us!
Curriculum Night Flyer 2024.pdf
Academic Advising
The Academic Advising process for the 2024-2025 school year is almost underway. Please take some time to review the information below about important dates and information.
Academic Advising information will go live in Schoology, Friday, Jan. 12. You are encouraged to sit down with your student and review their graduation requirements and options for the following academic year. The FCPS site has general information but Schoology will provide more specific Fairfax High School information.
Here is what you need to know; including important dates.
Jan. 2 & 3: Days of Academic Emphasis - Students reviewed next year’s course options with each class.
Jan. 5 during Lion Time: Course Information Fair - Students were provided a list of classes to visit for more information.
Jan. 8 & 9: Teacher Feedback Days - Students can discuss their specific course options for next year with their teachers to plan for the most successful school year.
Jan. 11: Curriculum Night (6-8p) - Families are encouraged to attend to meet FHS staff and faculty, learn about electives, and college and career preparation. Throughout the night, tables will be set up to learn about different course offerings.
- Rising 9th Grade Info Session (Auditorium, 6:15 to 6:45)
- Rising 10th-12th Grade Post-Secondary Info Session (Cafe, 6:15 to 6:45)
- Discussion about Challenges and Excitement Around High School (Parent Engagement Center, 7:00 to 7:45)
FHS counselors will meet with students on the following dates for Academic Advising through English classes:
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Rising 12 Grade Students (Class of 2025) - Jan. 17 to Feb. 1
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Rising 11th Grade Students (Class of 2026) - Jan. 31 to Feb. 15
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Rising 10th Grade Students (Class of 2027) - Feb. 17 to Feb. 27
Academy Registration Request - Due March 7
- Students are instructed to note on their course selection sheet that they are interested in an academy course.
- Students will be notified whether they get into their Academy class by March 31 through their FCPS email accounts. Students who are waitlisted/denied for an Academy class will have their alternate course(s) added to their course requests.
Prepare for your Academic Advising Meeting
- Make a list of questions before your meeting.
- Be sure to review the resources on the Academic Advising site for details on FCPS Summer School, Dual Enrollment, Academies (Fairfax, Falls Church, Marshall, and Chantilly).
Deadline to make changes to your 2024-2025 school year courses is Friday, June 7.
Calendar Reminders: Three Kings Day/Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas
Three Kings Day (January 6), also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas. Learn more at National Geographic Kids.
FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day (O day). There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
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Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more facts about Christmas from National Geographic Kids. |
❄️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.
Opioid Awareness and Resources
In this video, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid interviews the Fosters, a family who tragically lost their son Cayden to a half pill of fentanyl mistaken for Percocet. This heart-wrenching yet eye-opening video of their experience is essential to raise awareness among parents/caregivers and students about the dangers of fake painkillers.
Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations.
The evening’s program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and students in grades 6-12. All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County. https://www.fcps.edu/opioid/January10
FCPS’ website also has resources to help you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.
Safe Students, Safe Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.
FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
Attendance Matters
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Starting next week, Fairfax High School will be sending home Attendance Report Cards to ALL students. We understand that attendance directly connects to academic success. We want parents and students to be informed of their current attendance status and we also want to partner with you to offer resources and supports when they are needed.
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Class of 2024 Senior Dues & Parent Meeting
NOTE: If you receive Free or Reduced Benefits, you will receive other directions in a separate email.
CLASS OF 2024 SENIOR DUES PAYMENT DIRECTIONS:
Go to www.myschoolbucks.com from a computer
Login into your account or create an account
Go to the SCHOOL STORE
BROWSE ALL ITEMS
If you have multiple students at different locations you may have to FILTER BY SCHOOL, located in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, the choose FAIRFAX HS.
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Look for this icon (you may have to go through multiple pages)
Click view details
Choose your student from the drop down
Choose shirt size
Add payment to the cart
Start the checkout process. (Do not use if you receive Free or Reduced Benefits)
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FYI:
- You cannot use a school email to set up your account.
- Once you have created an account you need to add your student.
- There are two places to access fees: the first is the invoices folder on your main screen and the other is in the school store. This fee is in the school store and the directions are above.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
NOVA Early Online College Course Registration
NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors to take up to two tuition-free college courses. EOC courses for the spring semester begin on Thursday, January 30, and end on Monday, April 22.
Students should register by Monday, January 8, at 5 p.m.
Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. Thirteen courses are offered along with courses that fulfill an IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. Qualification information is located on NOVA's website. EOC courses meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degree programs as well as being transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.
💲Soft Launch of a New Financial Aid Form
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form to determine how much financial aid each student is eligible to receive. This aid could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
Any college-bound student — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
The form is currently available for short periods of time while it is being updated to provide a better experience. Learn more about the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
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
Science Fair Judges Needed!
Happy Holidays!
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- ANG Update
- PTSA Membership
ANG Update ~ Still Time to Donate in 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! 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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