 |
|
Upcoming Events
January 20: VHSL One Acts @ West Springfield HS
January 20: Girls BB Game, 10am HOME vs. LBSS
January 20: Boys BB Game, 1pm AWAY vs. LBSS
January 25: End of 2nd Quarter; 2HR Early Release
January 26: Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
February 2: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library
February 3-10: Fairfax Academy Presents: Cry Baby
February 12: Region One Acts
February 19: President's Day, No School
February 21: Band Pre-Assessment Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
February 23: Dance Benefit Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
February 24: Regional Science Olympiad
February 27: Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
|
Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 Congratulations to our Swim & Dave Seniors!
January 19, 2024
Greetings Fairfax Families,
It has been a very short and snowy week! Some of our Lions have been having fun here on campus with snowball fights and sliding down our hills, the real smiles always come out in the moments where "kids can be kids." Our electives and academic fair this week at KJMS was a PAWSome opportunity for students, staff, and special programs to connect with our future Lions and share their passions and experiences at Fairfax. Scheduling and course advisement season are here, and we want all of our students to practice their passions and challenge themselves.
This past Saturday was a busy one for Lion activities! We hosted 250 students from around the DMV for a Virginia Forensic Competition at Fairfax High School, students were intense, poised, and ready for speech and debate. Further down the hall you could hear the familiar sounds of show prep, the first was the banging of hammers as set building for Fairfax Academy's production of Cry Baby was under way, and the second was the sounds of song as students rehearsed for this upcoming show. Meanwhile in Charlottesville, our FHS robotics team won the first place - connect award at their tournament.
The second quarter and first semester end next week. Please encourage your students to take advantage of their final Lion Time sessions and the Learning Lounge that is available on Wednesday. Let's finish the semester strong.
Stay warm and stay safe this weekend!
In partnership always,
  Congratulations to our Auto Tech Teacher, John King, for receiving a "Champion for Automotive Education" Award. He picked up keys to his new electric car and will educate our CTE students on the industry and innovation.
Included in this issue:
School Club Spotlight
- Forensics Club
- Robotics Club
Staff Spotlight
- Rebecca Horton, Social Studies Teacher
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Orthodox Sunday, Mentoring Month, Principal's Coffee
- Snow Days this Winter
- FHS Bell Schedules
- Class of 2024 Senior Dues and Parent Meeting
- Opioid Awareness
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Student Recognition - We want to hear from YOU!
- Academic Advising Continues
- FAFSA Help
- Family Resource Center
- Tutor.com
- Fairfax Academy Presents: Cry-Baby, The Musical, starting Feb. 2
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
Forensics Team
 Photo courtesy of team sponsor, English Teacher, Heather Davids.
Congratulations to our Forensics Team, who finished second in the region and we advanced six students to Super-Regionals, including Mehria Amani, who was awarded Regional Champion in Poetry. Well done, Lions!
Robotics Team
Photo courtesy of team sponsor, Chemistry Teacher, Geeta Sridharan.
The Fairfax Robotics team participated in their second qualifying tournament at Charlottesville on Sunday, January 14th. The team won the First Place -Connect Award at the tournament. I would like to recognize the hard work put in by the following students: Ronit Manchanda, Ibtihal Hanna, Kael Nguyen, Subha Udipi, Lynn Choi, Richard Thomas, Khalid Amikishiyev, and Vedic Vajja.
The team already moved up to states from their first qualifying tournament held on December 15th. The states will take place on February 3rd.
We would like to thank our parent, Mr. Yogesh Manchanda, for coaching our students. We also want to thank fellow teacher, Mr. Peterson, who mentored the students with the physics behind their launch.
Team Sponsors,
Geeta Sridharan
Anne-Marie Hanapole
Rebecca Horton, Social Studies Teacher
 |
Hi! I’m Rebecca Horton I teach World History I. Have you ever thought about the Roman empire? Ask your ninth-grade students to share what they’re learning! We are analyzing primary and secondary sources, finding comparisons and major differences between our societies, and ultimately reflecting on what long term impacts are still with us over 1500 year later. My teaching career proves I was born under a wandering star. In my eleven-year career I’ve taught in 6 different states, urban, suburban, and rural communities. Change isn’t something I fear, it has created a lot of joy! Fun fact: I met my husband in the classroom across the hallway while teaching Civics! 2020 was a banner year for us, we got married, bought a house and found out we were pregnant with our first child. Cooper and Lillian (our newest addition in 2023) add joy, light and excitement to each day. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, reading, cooking, and playing or watching sports. Let me know your favorite playground or kid friendly place, I’m in room D114! Finally, as any true western New Yorker I’ll close with GO BILLS!!!
Calendar Reminders: Orthodox Epiphany, Mentoring Month
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and commemorates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. It is believed that Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan began Christ's ministry on earth and revealed the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) 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.
See the complete school year calendar.
January is National Mentoring Month
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor. All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
Principal's Coffee, Friday, Feb. 2, 7:30am, Library
 |
|
Please join us for the next Principal's Coffee!
Friday, February 2, 2024
7:30-8:30am
FHS Library
|
❄️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.
FHS Bell Schedules
 
Senior Dues and Parent Meeting
 Senior Class - Don't forget to pay your Senior Dues. The longer you wait, the higher the price!
- $70 now and until 2/14/24
- $80 starting 2/15 and until 4/12
- $90 starting 4/13 and until graduation
Students and Parents, check your email for more info. You can view full instructions and all things Senior Class on the Senior Section of the school website.
Senior Parent Virtual Meeting January 23
 |
|
Senior Parents, your attendance and participation are highly valuable as we collectively work towards ensuring a memorable and smooth transition for our graduating seniors.
Topic: 2024 Senior Class Parent Meeting
Time: Jan 23, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98255309794
Meeting ID: 982 5530 9794
|
Opioid Awareness
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Visit the FCPS website for more information.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Student Recognition - We want to hear from You!
Hey Fairfax Parents!
We want to recognize students who are involved in our community outside of school. It’s uplifting to hear about the great things our students are doing, but they’re not always forthcoming when it comes to telling the adults in the building about them. We wanted to provide a chance for your students’ accomplishments to be seen and spotlight their community involvement that might not be recognized otherwise. If you think your student may fall into this, please take a minute to fill out this quick survey and give us the opportunity to celebrate your student too.
https://forms.gle/NRAfci9ijVjTsLPRA
Questions? Cheryl Spevak csspevak@fcps.edu. Thank you for your support!
Academic Advising Underway
The Academic Advising process for the 2024-2025 school year is underway. Please take some time to review the information below about important dates and information.
Academic Advising information will go live in Schoology today, 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.
FHS counselors will meet with students on the following dates for Academic Advising through English classes:
-
Rising 12 Grade Students (Class of 2025) - Jan. 17 to Feb. 1
-
Rising 11th Grade Students (Class of 2026) - Jan. 31 to Feb. 15
-
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).
As they choose courses, students should also consider their personal well-being, as well as extracurricular activities and commitments. School-life balance is an important consideration. Parents/caregivers are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Deadline to make changes to your 2024-2025 school year courses is Friday, June 7.
📋FAFSA Help
Over the next two months, College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of programs on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA), and finding and applying for scholarships. Visit the College Access Fairfax website for details.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff members are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org for an appointment.
The FAFSA is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and forms. Then, create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA.
The VASA application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Family Resource Center
 |
|
Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities?
Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).
Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.
|
📝Tutor.com
Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
Fairfax Academy Theatre Presents:
Cry-Baby, The Musical - tickets on sale TODAY!
Based on the cult classic 1990 John Waters film, this jumping, jiving Tony nominee is a rebellious teen comedy event! It's 1954. Everyone likes Ike, nobody likes communism and Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker is the coolest boy in Baltimore. He's a bad boy with a good cause – truth, justice and the pursuit of rock and roll. Cry-Baby and the square rich girl, Allison, are star-crossed lovers at the center of this world. Fueled by hormones and the new rhythms of rock and roll, she turns her back on her squeaky-clean boyfriend, Baldwin, to become a "drape" (a Baltimore juvenile delinquent) and Cry-Baby's moll. At the other end of the topsy-turvy moral meritocracy of 1954 America, Baldwin is the king of the squares and leads his close-harmony pals against the juvenile delinquents, who are ultimately arrested for arson, sending the drapes all off to prison. It's Romeo and Juliet meets High School Hellcats.
Tickets go on sale starting TODAY, January 19th! Cry-Baby The Musical
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- PTSA Membership
- ANG Message
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.
All Night Grad Party Update ~ Time to Get Our Party On!
*2024 is Here and the Party Planning is in High Gear*
We are less than five months away from graduation and the All Night Grad Committee is kicking the party planning into high gear. We have a number of fundraising activities coming up where we will need parent volunteers and support, including:
Community Fundraising Campaign
Online Silent Auction
Modelers Show Concessions
Graduation Yard Signs
We also will be looking for parent volunteers to help at the party on graduation night, June 4.
Please come out to our Committee Meeting or email us at: ANG@fairfaxptsa.org to find out more about how you can help.
Donate to Support the All Night Grad Party
Monetary donations to the All Night Graduation Party are always welcome. If you, or your friends and family would like to make a donation to the All Night Graduation Party, you can donate online at the PTSA’s giving-site: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/931830
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.
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!
 |
|
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. |
|
