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Upcoming Events
April 12: Junior/Senior Prom, 8pm, Sweeney Barn
April 13: ACT testing @ FHS
April 17: Pyramid Art Show
April 18-20, 25-27: FX Players Presents Anastasia
May 3: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library
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April 12, 2024
Good Afternoon Fairfax Families,
It is a FABULOUS WEEK @ FAIRFAX! We began this week celebrating the Month of the Military Child and also collaborating with staff on our journey to becoming a Purple Heart School. As we continue to create a space and place for ALL students and their families, we are excited to celebrate our military community. Every Thursday we wear PURPLE and each Friday we wear RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) to support our community. We have also planned a pizza luncheon and musical concert opportunity for our families.
Fairfax High School hosted a dynamic Junior Focus Day. The Class of 2025 had the opportunity to attend multiple sessions and begin critically thinking about options and choices after high school. We thank our College and Career Specialist and Counseling Team for organizing this event. There were sessions that included topics around college admissions, college essay writing, empowering all ambitions, and community college. We also invited in specialists from trade schools, our police and fire department, and various branches of the military. Students enjoyed the variety of opportunities.
The FCPS CTE Advisory Board stopped by for a day of fun learning at Fairfax Academy and Fairfax High School. The team was able to visit CTE classrooms, collaborate with teachers and students, and engage in robust dialogue about experiences and industry opportunities. One theme that continued to surface was students are looking for classroom opportunities that translate into job opportunities, real-world applications, and college preparation. We can never stop innovating our curricular offerings.
The sunlight has emerged, and the weather has warmed up. We are ready for an amazing Junior/Senior Prom Night.
Thank you for your partnership,
Included in this issue:
Student Spotlight
- State Science Olympiad Results
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Calendar Reminders: Purple Up! Day, Earth Day
- Give Your Feedback on the Budget
- Updated COVID Recommendations for FCPS
- School Health Services Satisfaction Survey
- Mental Health in Childhood
- No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for HS Students
- Immigrant Family Reunification Class
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Postsecondary Education & Employment Options
- ArtScreen Film Series, April 12 @ Sherwood, 7:30pm.
- FX Players Presents Anastasia: The Musical
- Fairfax Academy Presents MCT Fest, April 27 @ Sherwood, 3:00pm
- Fairfax Pyramid Art Show
- NEW! ACE Sewing 101 Class
- Athletic Training Fundraiser
- FCPS Family Summit
- Connect - Contact - Reach Us
Fairfax HS PTSA
- ANG Update - Silent Auction is now Live!
- Graduation Yard Signs on Sale
- PTSA Membership
State Science Olympiad Results
Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team for their 3rd place finish out of the top 23 Virginia teams at the State Tournament!
Special shout outs go to our medalists:
1st place: (State Champions in their event)
- Aadit Abhilash, Rohan Soma, and Shreyhaan Sarkar (Experimental Design)
- Zane Geadah and Howie Dinh (Air Trajectory)
2nd place:
- Nathan Kim and Will Park (Write It Do It)
- Ethan Doan and Stephen Moir (Forensics)
- Emily Jiang and Will Park (Tower)
- Emily Jiang and Howie Dinh (Flight)
3rd place:
- Maya Kamat and Gauri Manocha (Disease Detectives)
- Ethan Doan and Candice Cheung (Dynamic Planet)
4th place:
- Ethan Doan, Nathan Kim, and Rohan Soma (Codebusters) Zane Geadah and Nathan Kim (Robot Tour)
6th place:
- Ethan Doan and Maya Kamat (Anatomy)
- Anka Undraa and Aadit Abhilash (Fossils)
- Candice Cheung and Emily Jiang (Geologic Mapping)
Full results can be found here. Congrats, Lions!!
Calendar Reminders: Purple Up! Day, Earth Day
💜 Purple Up! Day is Wednesday, April 17
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 17 for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
🌏 Earth Week Resources for Schools
Get2Green is hosting FCPS Earth Week from Monday, April 22, to Friday, April 26. Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for Earth Week spirit days and other activities for students of all ages.
Fairfax County Park Authority's Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sully Historic Site. The festival will include earth and nature-focused programs, scavenger hunts, and other activities.
Give Your Feedback on the Budget
We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:
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Tuesday, April 16, through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.
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Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS.
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Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
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Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.
🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.
Mental Health in Childhood
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with children’s physical and mental health. Mental health disorders such as ADHD and anxiety are the most commonly diagnosed in children, which commonly occurs together. Anxiety are feelings of worry, apprehension or dread that something bad is going to happen. Children diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or be overly active. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental health disorders.
Anxiety related triggers are lonely and frightening emotional responses related to situations, persons, places or objects. Today’s sources of stress for our students include: increased coursework and graduation requirements, extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, and social media. Social media has been a great way to increase connection and communication, but for our young people it contributes to shorter attention spans and information overload. Signs of anxiety include appearing worried, irritable or nervous, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, along with physical symptoms such as sleeping problems, headaches, and stomach aches. It is understandable for a parent to be worried because figuring out what to do is hard. Here are five simple ways to respond to teens with anxiety:
- Recognize warning signs.
- Guide your child to take a few deep breaths to slow things down.
- Make sure your child understands you are available if they need to talk.
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings and avoid downplaying situations or issues.
- Help them come up with ways to deal with the situation next time.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: 571.423.4270.
Sources & Resources
The Anxiety Toolkit for Teens
Talk, They Hear You
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
For Further Information & Support:
Sean McMahon
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
smcmahon@fcps.edu
💻 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 into this service.
👨👩👧👦 Immigrant Family Reunification Class
A class will be held online in Spanish for immigrant families looking to reunite during challenging transitions. Saturday classes will be available April 13, 20, or 27, from 9-11:30 a.m. Register online. For more information, please contact FHS Spanish Family Liaison, Ana Bauserman, at adbauserman@fcps.edu, or Sussy Tomer at setomer@fcps.edu.
Se llevará a cabo una clase en línea en español para familias inmigrantes que buscan reunirse durante transiciones desafiantes. Las clases de los sábados estarán disponibles el 13, 20 o 27 de abril, de 9 a 11:30 a. m. Regístrese en línea. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Ana Baserman, adbauserman@fcps.edu, o Sussy Tomer, setomer@fcps.edu.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
🎓 Postsecondary Education and Employment Options
FCPS’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward, to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school.
Flash Forward will be held Thursday, April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School, in the cafeteria. Register online. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs (college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment) will be on site to share information about their services.
Tonight! ArtScreen Film Series, 7:30pm at Sherwood Center
 ArtScreen celebrates the arts with a free film series on Friday evenings in the City of Fairfax. Tonight's showing is Midnight in Paris.
Midnight in Paris (2011) PG-13 - While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.
FREE, no tickets required!
All screenings will be at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center,
3740 Blenheim Boulevard (formerly Old Lee Hwy), Fairfax VA 22030
Doors open at 7 p.m. • Film starts at 7:30 p.m.
Masks and face coverings are optional for employees and visitors while inside Fairfax City facilities. We support social distancing and mask use for individuals who choose to continue to do so. Please be respectful of individual choices.
FX Players presents Anastasia: The Musical
The FX Players are proud to present Anastasia: The Musical. This show is based on the 1997 20th Century Fox animated film and the history of the Romanov family. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Tickets can be purchased at www.fxplayers.org. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, and $15 at the door.
Fairfax Academy Presents: MCT Fest, April 27
The Music and Computer Technology program at Fairfax Academy is putting on its 19th MCT fest at the Sherwood Community Center. The show exhibits only original music from students in the MCT program and participating performers. This is the pinnacle event for the year and is a moment where friends, family, local businesses, and the community can acknowledge the talent at Fairfax Academy. The MCT I & 2 Students develop, perform, manage, and execute the show. This includes creating the schedule, setting up the gear, running live sound, MCing the event, coordinating tickets, special guests, marketing, and promotions.
You can purchase tickets here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/93295183/mct-fest-fairfax-fairfax-high-school-athletics.
We’re looking forward to seeing you on April 27th @ 3pm! Thank you for your support!
Fairfax Art Show
The Fairfax Art Show is on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The High School Show is from 8:10-2:55 and the Community Show, including FHS is from 5:30-7:30.
NEW! ACE Machine Sewing 101 Class 🧵🪡
Hey, Fairfax! Have you always wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine? Or are you looking for a new hobby?? Well this is for you! A new sewing class is being offered by FCPS Adult Community Education (ACE), and the instructor is our own Fairfax Academy Fashion Careers teacher, Kendall Barry.
Six sessions total in May and June - No Experience Required! Here is the direct link to the course. Sign up early, seats will fill up fast!
Please support our Athletic Training Fundraiser!
Annual athletic training fundraiser physical night May 13th. This is our only fundraiser for us to buy supplies and equipment for the athlete training program. This physical will be good for all sports activities for 2024-2025 school year. To register for a time slot use this link:
We are always looking for volunteers for the night. If any parents are health professionals and would like to volunteer here is the link below:
Thank you for your support!
FCPS Family Summit
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30am - 1:00pm, at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families such as raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- ANG Update - Tickets prices will go up!
- Graduation Yard Signs on Sale
- PTSA Membership
All Night Grad Update ~ Silent Auction is LIVE!
Silent Auction Bidding Has Begun!
The All Night Grad Committee’s Annual Online Silent Auction is up and running. There are a variety of intriguing auction items available for bidding online. This includes the always coveted VIP parking and VIP seating packages at graduation, car detailing at Farrish, Kate Spade Bags 3 Piece Collection, Rita's 2 gallons of Italian Ice, Graduation announcements/invitations by Klain designs and many more items.
To view the auction items and submit your bids you can go to the GalaBid website: https://app.galabid.com/fhsang2024.
Tickets on Sale!
Tickets for the All Night Graduation Party are on sale now. The price for a ticket is $55. Tickets may be purchased online through the PTSA.
Free and reduced ticket order forms are available to eligible students through the FHS front office.
The All Night Graduation Party will be held on the night of June 4. We have a great party planned for our graduates at the St. James sports complex that will include Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, a Casino, DK/Karaoke, Golf Simulators, Airbrush Tattoo Artists, Carnival Games, Food, Prizes and the Super Awesome Amazing Room!
Help Needed April 13 for Concession Booth at Plastic Modelers Classic
On Saturday, April 13, the All Night Grad Committee will be running the concessions booth at the Northern Virginia Plastic Modelers Classic held at Fairfax High School from 7 AM to 4 PM.
We need your help to staff the concessions booth on the day of the show. Concessions shifts are 3 hours each. We need adult volunteers.
To Volunteer, click this link to go to SignUpGenius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-48617449-volunteers.
We are also accepting donations of food and paper products to help us defray our costs in running the concessions booth. Donations can be dropped off in the FHS main office anytime the week of April 8-12th, but no later than 3 PM on Friday, April 12.
To Donate Items, click this link to go to SignUpGenius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-48613692-concessions.
Graduation Yard Signs Now on Sale!
Purchase a graduation yard sign to recognize your graduate and inform the community of their accomplishment. Each sign is an 18” x 24” yard sign and individually customized with the graduate’s name. The price is $25 per sign.
The Graduation Yard Signs are available now on PTSA’s MemberHub online store: https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store.
There are several packages to choose from in the PTSA MemberHub online store. The sign will be placed (by the All Night Grad Committee) outside FHS along Lion Run on Graduation Day. You can also buy additional signs to place in yards and windows.
Next ANG Meeting: April 24, 2024
Our next Committee Meeting is on April 24, 7:00 pm, at FHS in the Multi-Purpose Room C105. (new location). We will discussing the party planning and our final fundraising push. We also will be looking for parent volunteers to help at the party on graduation night, June 4.
We encourage people to join us in person, but if that is not possible, we will be live streaming on Zoom:
Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81199262921
Meeting ID: 811 9926 2921
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!
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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