FCHS News & Announcements - 1/31/24

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Important Dates

  • 2/3 - FCHS Science Fair
  • 2/19 - Holiday

Attendance Matters!

Helpful Attendance Tips for Parents:

  • Make medical and dental appointments in the early morning or late afternoon so your child can attend as much of the school day as possible.
  • If your child must miss school, make sure to get his or her homework assignments and ensure that the work is completed and turned in.
  • Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell the school staff why your child will be out and for how long. Our attendance line is 703-207-4019.
  • If your child is out sick for more than three days, be prepared to provide a doctor’s note when requested by school personnel.
  • Avoid taking vacations that will require your children to miss school. Try to line up vacations with summer break, spring break, and winter break.
  • Remember - If too many absences occur, it is still a problem whether they are excused or unexcused because they represent too much lost learning time in the classroom.

Academic Advising and Course Selection 

Rising 7th-12th grade students are discussing course selection for next year with their school counselors. Parents/caregivers should discuss this process with their children to ensure students select courses that align with their interests, career goals, and postsecondary aspirations. 

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.


Heritage Night

Our annual FCHS Heritage Night is coming up on March 8! We need our school community to participate in all aspects of Heritage Night. The evening begins with food sharing and cultural exhibits and concludes with a cultural celebration and fashion show!

If you would like to participate this year, click HERE for more information and to sign up to participate!

If you have questions, feel free to email Dr. Redden-Liotta (cjreddenliot@fcps.edu). Cultural Celebration participants must audition by February 8, and other participants must sign up by February 26.


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NEWS FROM THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE COMPANY

FCHS Theatre's performance of PERFECT went to Justice high school for the district's VHSL one act competition in January 1st. We are so proud of Sasha Wendell who was selected as an ALL STAR cast member.  Congratulations,  Sasha!

February 3: Shakespeare workshop in the auditorium. All students are welcome to join us for a Shakespeare language and performing workshop in the morning starting at 10:30am. Bring $3 for pizza lunch and participate in the afternoon stage combat workshop with guest artist Bette Cassett. Workshop will finish at 3:30pm.

Feb 12 thru 14: Auditions for A Midsummer Night's Dream. Initial auditions are Feb 12 only with Shakespearean monologues. Come prepared with a Shakespearean monologue. Sign up for a time slot here:

https://forms.gle/fCQ8mSepqjsYwced9

Rehearsals for Midsummer will start after school Feb 26 followed by a 6pm mandatory parent meeting.


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SEL Screener

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the spring (Feb/March). It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

Key updates to the screener this year include:

  • Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12. 
  • Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning. 
  • Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.

Results are mailed home to families after each screening. Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVue. 

For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey. For more information about the Youth Survey, see the Fairfax County Youth Survey site.


Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo

School divisions across the region have teamed up with Virginia Ed Strategies to host the annual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo event. This Northern Virginia event will allow high school students to connect virtually and in person, with more than 60 local industry professionals from in-demand career fields

The purpose of these FREE career exploration events is to provide students with opportunities to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce today. 

Virtual sessions will be held on February 5-8, from 4:00-7:00 pm. The in-person Career Expo and Job Fair event will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 1-4 p.m., in the North Hall of the Dulles Expo Center- 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151.  

Direct public transportation that runs to the Dulles Expo Center does not exist currently. Fairfax Connector is the closest option and has indirect Metro Access.

Students may register at Instruction 2 Industry Events Page  Here is a flyer with more information. i2i Flyer


Career Exploration Events for Students

In February, school divisions across the region will team up with Virginia Ed Strategies to host the annual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo event. This Northern Virginia regional event invites high school students to connect virtually and in person with more than 60 local industry professionals from in-demand career fields. 

These free career exploration events aim to provide students with opportunities to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce today. 

Virtual sessions will be held Monday, February 5, through Thursday, February 8, 4-7 p.m., and the in-person Career Expo and Job Fair will be held Saturday, February 17, 1-4 p.m., in the North Hall of the Dulles Expo Center

Students should register today on the Instruction 2 Industry Events webpage.


Upcoming Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The following events are currently scheduled for February:

  • Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan (FBA/BIP) Essentials for Families Does your child have concerning behaviors at school? Did you know that there is a process to identify and support them? Learn about the FBA and BIP process and how it is used in FCPS to support any student who experiences behavioral challenges. This webinar is presented by staff from the Office of Special Education Instruction, Office of Intervention and Prevention Services, and Office of Special Education Procedural Support. Thursday, February 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. or Friday, March 1, 10-11 a.m.

For more information and to register for the webinars, click on the linked titles above.


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GMU’s Access To Excellence Seminar

Falls Church High School Seniors and Juniors, you and your family are invited to learn more about financial aid from the experts at George Mason University! You will learn about scholarship opportunities, help with completing the FAFSA, and best practices for college affordability. You will also be treated to lunch in GMU’s world-class dining facilities and be offered an optional campus tour.

Access To Excellence Seminar

WHEN:  Saturday, February 10

TIME:  10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

WHERE:  George Mason University- Johnson Center- Dewberry Hall (parking for Mason Pond parking garage will be validated) 

Click HERE to Register Now

Event will include:

  • Tailored Financial Aid Workshops
  • Juniors: Financial Aid 101
  • Seniors: FAFSA/VASA and/or Scholarship applications
  • Enjoy free lunch!
  • Optional campus tour
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Student Bus Passes

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Useful Links/Information

FCHS Bell Schedule

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SIS ParentVUE

FCPS 23-24 School Year Calendar


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Falls Church HS or FCPS 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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