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Upcoming Events
March 5: Student Holiday, Presidential Primary
March 8: Cultural Celebration, Fair 6:30pm, Show 7pm
March 11: Religious Cultural Observance Day, Ramadan begins sundown March 10 and continues thru April 9.
March 22: End of 3rd Quarter, Full Day of School
March 25-29: Spring Break, No School
April 1-2: Student Holidays, Professional Workdays
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Acceso de News You Choose en Español: Haga clic aquí.
 We celebrated our Honor Roll students this week!
March 1, 2024
Happy Friday Fairfax,
March is here and I am excited to celebrate the Spring season. All things are in bloom and the beauty of being part of the FHS family is a Fairfax SPRING "enters like a lion and goes out like a lion." We will always ROAR! This week we recognized 735 A/B Honor Roll students. We were elated to provide certificates and treats to these Lion Leaders who are working hard every day.
The spring sport seasons are underway, and our new fields are finished, it is exciting to see everyone outside again. The choir and orchestra assessment concerts did not disappoint as parents were invited to watch and provide student feedback on these performances prior to assessment day. Our Speech and Debate scholars qualified for The National Speech and Debate Tournament. We also sent 100 DECA students to Virginia Beach for the state competition and we cannot wait to hear their results of their hard work.
The FHS Cultural Celebration will begin this week. After weeks of practice, our talented students will provide our entire student body with a preview of this amazing showcase. We invite our community to JOIN US for a night of culture, food, and talents as we celebrate our diverse student community. We will see you on March 8!
This coming week is STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK. We are fortunate to have some of the best teachers around and we look forward to honoring their hard work with special treats, gifts, and lunch. THANK YOU PTSA for making this event possible.
I hope your weekend is filled with both warmth and rest.
Thank you for your partnership,
  Photo courtesy of Superintendent Jeff Platenberg, City of Fairfax Schools
The practice field turf project is COMPLETED and ready to use! Thank you, Fairfax City Schools!
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- Forensics: Speech & Debate Team
- Track & Field
- Girls Wrestling
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: No School, Tuesday, National Women's History Month, Equity in Education Month, Disability Awareness Month
- Ramadan: Sundown March 10 - April 9.
- FCPS Budget
- Family Engagement Survey Opens March 3
- Community Conversations
- FHS Learning Lounge
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Cultural Celebration, March 8
- Auto Tech Logo Contest
- Sophomore College Planning Night, March 12
- Mock SAT and ACT, March 16 @ FHS
- Fairfax Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament, May 20
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- Proctor Volunteers Needed
- Staff Appreciation week
- PTSA Membership
Forensics: Speech & Debate Team
Juniors Lillian Dang, Vy Tran, and Caden Truvan have all qualified to attend and compete at the NCFL GrandNational Forensics: Speech & Debate tournament at the end of May. They will compete in Duo Interpretation and Original Oratory in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend in hopes of being named one of the best high school speakers in the country. Students are pictured above with Teacher Advisor, Heather Davids.
Track & Field
Congratulations to all of our track athletes for a great indoor season! A special shout out to our track stars who competed in the VHSL State Track meet this past Monday and Tuesday in Virginia Beach. Senior Laila Simpson finished in 6thd place in the 55m dash earning her a spot on the podium. Senior David Cheng ended his Indoor season as a District and Region champion in the 55m dash, and at the State meet, David set a new school record, 6.36 seconds and earned the bronze! David made his way to the podium later in the meet with a 5th place finish in the 300m race. Lastly, the boys 4x200 relay team of Stotts, Awkward, Odemns, and Cheng finished in 8th place and set a new school record of 1:30.40!
Girls Wrestling
VHSL Girls State Wrestling Tournament was last weekend and Fairfax had 5 athletes compete! It was incredible watching the girls compete and a HUGE congratulations to senior Sophie Sharp who is a State Semi-finalist and finished in 4th place! She is our first ever GIRL STATE PLACER! Congrats, Sophie!!
Calendar Reminders: No School, March 5
March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
Therefore, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based Administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, responsive instruction, etc.
Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days.
See the complete school year calendar.
School Counselors Available March 5
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FHS Counselors will be available virtually between the hours of 8am and 3:30pm on Tuesday, March 5 to answer general questions about academic advising, college and career, or general needs. Please use the Counselor Connect Link to join and speak with a Fairfax High counselor. |
National Women's History Month
Equity in Education Month
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FCPS — in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association — observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. |
Disability Awareness Month
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March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. Let us foster inclusivity, understanding, and support for all! |
Ramadan: Sundown, March 10 - April 9.
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Ramadan is one of the holiest times on the Islamic calendar and it begins sundown, March 10 and continues until April 9. We are here to support students who may need special considerations or accommodations during this time. If a student has spoken to you about concerns, please have them reach out to the school. |
FCPS Budget
 Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?
The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (The numbers above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)
FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority. Learn more about FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
✅ Look for the FCPS Family Engagement Survey This Sunday
 Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3
Parents/caregivers will receive the FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey Sunday, March 3, from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students.Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and our school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!
💭 Share Your Thoughts on Schoology
FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:
- Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
- Secondary students via email from Naviance.
Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups.
Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions.
🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
FHS Learning Lounge
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Did you know? Students can get after-school help during the Learning Lounge on Wednesdays and Thursdays (late bus days). After dismissal, students should sign in with Mr. Friedman in room A101, and he will connect students with a content specialist in that subject. |
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
Cultural Celebration, March 8
Tickets are ON SALE NOW for Fairfax High School’s annual sold-out event: Cultural Celebration 2024!
Friday, March 8th
Cultural Fair 6:30 PM
Cultural Celebration (Global Talent & Fashion Show) 7:00 PM
Join us for an incredible trip around the world featuring fiery Latin dances, the beat of the Korean drums, the majesty of the Chinese Dragon dance, the harmonies of Kentucky Bluegrass, Vietnamese fan dancing, traditional and modern global fashions, tasty treats from near and far, and MUCH MORE!
NEW TICKET INFO: Tickets are sold ONLINE this year beginning 2/23 and closing at 5pm on 3/8 for a discounted price. Tickets may sell out prior to the event, so reserve yours today!
Pre-Sale Online Ticket Prices: Adults $5 | Students $3 (FCPS Employees & Kids Under 5 = Free)
Door Ticket Prices: Adults $10 | Students $5 (FCPS Employees & Kids Under 5 = Free)
Don't miss out! Tickets are flying faster than a K-pop dance move, so click this TICKET LINK or the QR code in the flyer to grab yours now!
Please help us spread the word to make this the most vibrant, diverse, and celebratory Fairfax HS event ever!
Auto Tech Logo Contest!
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The Auto Tech Department needs a new logo for sweatshirts, t-shirts etc. Two logos are needed, one for the front, and one for the back of the wearables.
Designs should incorporate no more than three colors. Designs may be submitted in the following formats:
- PDF (300 dpi or higher)
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
Digital designs may be sent to: FHSAuto108@gmail.com. Please submit your design(s) by March 15, 2024. The winning designs will be selected by students and staff. Thank you for your help and support!
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Sophomore College Planning Night, March 12
Sophomore Student/Parent College Planning Night
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 6:30 pm
FHS Auditorium
Presenter: Ms. Erin Slater, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina Greensboro
This is an informative and fun program specifically designed to help 10th graders and parents plan for college. You will learn about what colleges are looking for, how to choose a school, and the college admissions process. The presentation includes a mock admission exercise. Come learn how Admissions Officers make their decisions!
You will not want to miss this important event! See the full flyer here.
For more information or questions, contact: Ms. Maureen Kim, FHS College & Career Center Specialist, at 703-219-2204, or MHKim@fcps.edu.
Note: This is an in-person event and will not be recorded. If you have a conflict on March 12, you can attend the same program at Woodson High School on March 13 @ 7:00 pm or Madison High School on March 14 @ 6:30 pm.
This event is sponsored by FHS PTSA and the Student Services Department.
Mock SAT and ACT, Saturday, March 16 @ FHS
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the FHS Academic Boosters will partner with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) exams.
This is a perfect opportunity for students who haven’t started their testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.
Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75)
Test Time: Saturday, March 16th, 9:15 am – 12:00 noon
Students must be from FHS and bring a fully charged FCPS Computer
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/registration/create/?event_code=PSS843EE
Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50)
Test Time: Saturday, March 16th, 9:00 am – 12:30pm
https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/registration/create/?event_code=PAS843ED
Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org
Golf Tournament May 20, Registration OPEN!
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
11th Annual Athletic Boosters Fundraiser Golf Tournament
Join us on Monday, May 20th and/or sign up to be one of our valuable sponsors to help support all of our FHS athletic teams and student athletes. Visit us at FHSboostersfundraiser.com or scan the QR code above.
Thank you for your support!
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- Proctor Volunteers Needed
- Staff Appreciation Week next week
- PTSA Membership
Sign Up to Proctor AP Exams
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The teachers really appreciate volunteers because it helps them have less proctoring duty!
Sign up here: AP Testing Proctor Signup
Thank you for your support!
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Staff Appreciation Week, March 4-8
Staff Appreciation Week is only a week away! Please sign up HERE to ensure our teachers know how much they are appreciated! There are many opportunities to donate toward the luncheon and raffle on Wednesday, March 6 (PTSA honors our FHS staff in March rather than waiting for the National Teacher Appreciation Week in May because our teachers are swamped with SOL and AP testing!).
The PTSA is catering lunch from Moby Dick House of Kabob and we are seeking donations to cover the cost. Monetary donations can be made at: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/461736.
If you would like to donate additional Food such as desserts and beverages or Raffle Items such as gift cards or baskets please sign up here: Staff Appreciation Signup. Please deliver all raffle items and drinks by 3/1/23 and desserts first thing in the morning 3/6 to the FHS Office and clearly label “Staff Appreciation.” If you need to make other arrangements, please contact Sandy Murray at saguidice@hotmail.com.
Questions, please contact the PTSA hospitality committee:
Lisa: lmwooditch@verizon.net
Sandy: saguidice@hotmail.com
Susan: soldbysusan@skares.com
Laura: laurabuice@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting our amazing staff!
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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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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