From the Principal's Desk

upcoming events

Upcoming Events

May 2: Spring Orchestra Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

May 3: Orthodox Good Friday, Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

May 10: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library

May 10: Fairfax Academy Dance Showcase, 7pm, FHS Auditorium; and May 11 @ 1pm. 

May 14: Spring Choral Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

May 15: Jazz and Chamber Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

May 16: Spring Band Concert, 7pm, Auditorium

May 22: ANG Meeting, 7pm, room A118

May 27: Memorial Day Holiday, No School

May 29: PTSA Meeting, 7pm, Chorus Room


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🦁 Welcome Future Lions! Class of 2028!

Rising 9th

 

 

May 2, 2024

 

Greetings Fairfax Family,

This week at FHS has been PAWSome. We kicked off the week by welcoming over 600 ROARing Lions from The Class of 2028. The morning was filled with a student panel, school tours, and club connections. Our rising lions are READY!

We were elated to induct over 140 new members to the FHS Honor Society. This ceremony was a celebration of service, character, and academic excellence. We also had the privilege of recognizing over 700 students for making the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll. These students maintained all As and Bs in their classes and were treated to a certificate and a snack attack. 

SOL testing began this week. Students were focused, committed, and ready to demonstrate content mastery. We will continue SOL testing throughout the month of May.  AP testing will begin next week, and we are excited for our student's opportunity to demonstrate mastery and the opportunity to earn college credits. YOU'VE GOT THIS LIONS!

May is a month of many celebrations.  Next week, we will celebrate our AMAZING TEACHING STAFF. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to the FHS student body. They connect to our students through positive relationships and provide transformative educational opportunities. THANK YOU. 

My hope is that you each enjoy your extended weekend and always stay PAWSitive. 

Thank you for your partnership, 

Principal's Signature

 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • Tennis Senior Night

Staff Spotlight

  • Staff Appreciation Week, May 6-10

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Calendar Reminders
  • Attendance Matters - Let's Finish the School Year Strong!
  • Rising 12th Immunization Requirements
  • FHS Testing Calendar - Volunteers Needed!

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Class of 2025 Senior Portraits
  • FHS Auto Shop Car Show
  • FCPS Summer Extravaganza
  • FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance
  • Multilingual Phone Lines
  • No-Cost Virtual Therapy
  • Connect - Contact - Reach Us

Fairfax HS PTSA

  • PTSA Slate for 2024-2025 School Year
  • ANG Update 
  • Graduation Yard Signs on Sale

Student Spotlight

Tennis Senior Night!

Tennis Senior Night

Staff Spotlight

Staff Appreciation  Week, May 6-10

FHS Why Poster

 

Celebrating our PAWSOME staff next week! Continuing to find our "Why" and being passionate about what we do. Thank you for all you do!  


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Calendar Reminders:

Orthodox Good Friday

 

Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

 

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.


Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

 

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Principal's Coffee

Due to the student holiday on May 3, the next  Principal's Coffee will be held on Friday, May 10, at 7:30am in the library. This is the last one of the school year, so join us for coffee and conversation with Principal Aye. 


💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

  • Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:
  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources


💉 Rising 12th Grade Immunizations Required

To Parents/Guardians of Rising 12th Graders:

The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

All students entering 12th grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.

  • To meet the Meningococcal (MenACWY) 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.

ACTION REQUESTED: Please provide one of the following immunization documents to the Student Information Assistant (SIA) or Registrar at your child’s school as soon as possible:

  1. An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY). Families can also request immunization records free of charge through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS), a statewide registry system.  
  2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given.
  3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form, which is available online at: https://bit.ly/VDOEReligiousExemptionForm

Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources. Use the QR Codes below to identify resources:

Health Dept QR code

https://bit.ly/FairfaxCountyHealthDepartmentFairfax County Health Department

 https://bit.ly/FairfaxCountyHealthDepartment

 

Low Cost Healthcare Resources QR code

Low Cost  Healthcare Resources

 https://bit.ly/LowCostHealthcareResources

 

Health & Community QR code

Health and Community Resources

 https://bit.ly/HealthAndCommunityResources

 

Please contact Toby Sorensen in the Student Services office, at 703-219-2349, or tmsorensen@fcps.edu, if you have any questions.


FHS Testing Calendar - Volunteers Needed! 


Spring exam schedule

 

Students will be taking SOL tests and digital AP exams on their FCPS-issued Chromebooks. To minimize issues on exam day:

  • It is critical that ALL students bring their Chromebooks FULLY CHARGED.
  • Each student should also have their own power cord as the school does not have extras to lend. 
  • Students will receive their testing schedule a week before their exam.
  • PLEASE make sure students are diligent about checking their SCHOOL email (@fcpsschools.net account). 

Thank you for your help in ensuring your student is prepared to do their best on their exams!

Visit our school website to view the full testing calendar. Click here to download a PDF version: 2024 Spring Exam Schedule.pdf

Proctor Volunteers

The teachers really appreciate it because it allows them to keep their planning period!

Please Sign Up Here: 

AP Testing Proctor Signup


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Class of 2025 Senior Portraits

Senior Portraits

 

CLASS OF 2025!

Believe it or not, it’s time to begin taking your senior portraits! We always begin in May because there are so many of you to photograph, and unlike underclassmen portraits, these are more of a photoshoot. You can take your yearbook photo for free, or if you would like several outfit changes, pay a small fee for more outfit changes.

Caps and gowns and formal attire will be provided. If you’d rather wear something gender-neutral, you may wear an all-black sweater, a solid-black button down, or a formal, all-black top of your choosing.

We highly recommend you take your photos in May even though there will be dates throughout the summer. All times are after underclass exams toward the end of the school year.

Please click the link below to schedule. If you have any questions, please email Mr. David Greene at dtgreene@fcps.edu. But note, however, that scheduling and rescheduling information should be directed to the photo studio using the customer care contact information below.

Below is the contact information for Legacy's customer care service in case you require any assistance

We're excited to get started and we look forward to capturing fantastic images and memories for the Class of 2025! 


FHS Auto Shop Car Show

Auto Shop

 

Mark your calendars for a day filled with automotive delight at the Fairfax High School Auto Tech Car Show, set to take place on May 4th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event is designed to raise funds for the Auto Tech program at Fairfax High School and promises a diverse showcase of vehicles. Enthusiasts can expect to see a mix of American models, JDMs, European makes, motorcycles, sports cars, pre-war classics, and even Warsaw Pact vehicles. There is no admission fee for spectators or exhibition cars.

The Auto Tech Car Show will take place at 4650 Shirley Gate Rd, Fairfax, VA and is hosted by Jubilee Christian Center. Don't miss the opportunity to support a local school program while indulging in your passion for cars!


☀️ Save the Date! FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.


📞 FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


☎️Multilingual Phone Lines

 Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight LanguagesParents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teen Mental Health
  • No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School StudentsVirtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
  • Anxiety, worry, fears
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
  • Academic stress

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE and provide consent. Students can then be referred to therapy by a guardian or school staff member.

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services, Ashley Anderson. Find our Student Services staff information here: 
https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/student-services/staff 


stay in touch

throughout the year:


Fairfax HS PTSA


Table of Contents:

  • PTSA Slate for 2024-2025 School Year
  • ANG Update
  • Graduation Yard Signs on Sale

Proposed PTSA Board 2024-2025

The FHS PTSA Nominating Committee proposes this Slate of Officers for the 2024-2025 school year.

  • President: Maria Array
  • VP1: Rowena Askins
  • VP2: Heather Rupp
  • Treasurer: Nic Geadah
  • Secretary: Frank Manja

A vote on this slate of officers will be held during the May 29th membership meeting at 7pm in the FHS Chorus room. https://www.fairfaxptsa.org/board


All Night Grad Update ~ We Need You! 

All Night Grad

 

Volunteers Needed at the ANG Celebration, June 4

To make this party happen, we need adult volunteers that night at the St. James.  In order to have the All Night Graduation Celebration at the St. James, the venue REQUIRES a minimum of 1 chaperone/volunteer per 10 students to run this event! (The St. James will cancel without full volunteer staffing).  That means we will need over 60 adult volunteers over two shifts at the party.

We have a range of volunteer positions open – setup, arrival assistance, bag check, food service, casino dealers, prizes, and roving chaperones.  We also need people in the leads for these areas.  Volunteer shifts run 3 to 4 hours over the course of the night (you can sign-up for two shifts and stay for the whole party).

You can sign up to volunteer at the following SignUpGenius Link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA9A62FA7F58-49226288-allnight

Volunteers can be parents, alumni, family, and friends of FHS.  This is open to parents with students at ALL grade levels, it is not limited to Senior Class parents (but we certainly want their support).  Please to share this link with anyone who may want to help out at the party.

Only You Can Help Make the Party Happen!

 

All Night Grad Party 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.

Buy tickets here:  https://fairfaxhs.memberhub.com/store/items/995293   

 

Or scan the QR code here:

 

Free and reduced ticket order forms are available to eligible students through the FHS front office. 

ANG QR code 2024

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! 


Graduation Yard Sign orders in the Final Weeks!

Grad Sign

 

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: May 22, 2024

Our last Committee Meeting is on May 22 at 7:00 pm, at FHS in room A118 (classroom to the left from the front door.) (new location).  We will be discussing the party planning and our volunteer assignments 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!


FCPS Cares

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.