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What a fantastic start to our 2024-2025 school year! We have enjoyed meeting all of our new Academy students and welcoming back our returning students. All students received a welcome packet in class. Please remind your student to share that packet with you. There are also a few reminders below that we would appreciate you reviewing with your student.
We also wanted to make sure all our families have our contact information. If there is anything we can do to support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Academy Office: 703-219-2226 | Academy Attendance 703-219-4060
Academy Administrator: Mrs. Cook (amcook@fcps.edu)
Academy Administrative Assistant: Ms. Tarvid (starvid@fcps.edu)
Academy Counselor: Mr. Donald (ladonald1@fcps.edu)
Academy Resource Teachers: Mr. Reyes (rareyes@fcps.edu), Ms. St. Germain (cqstgermain@fcps.edu), Ms. Sterrett (resterrett@fcps.edu)
Academy ESOL Teacher: Ms. Chae (suchae@fcps.edu)
- How To Submit Academy Attendance
- Lunch, Lanyards, & Parking
- FCPS Cell Phone Policy
- Counselor Corner: Tips to Lower Stress in High School
Fairfax Academy's attendance policy follows FCPS guidelines. However, there are some details that apply only to Academies. This is true for ALL Fairfax Academy students, including those with their base school at Fairfax High School.
- Your base school may not report attendance to Academies. A parent or guardian needs to report attendance to Academy as well as to the base school.
- You can call the attendance line at 703-219-4060 OR use the online attendance form OR email fairfaxacademy.attendance@fcps.edu
Lunch
Students arriving at the start of 5th or 6th period have the option to purchase lunch in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School. Students should report directly to the cafeteria when they arrive and may bring lunch to their class if they will not be done eating by 11:50am.
Lanyards
Feeder school students have all received Academy lanyards. It is expected that all students wear those while on grounds at Fairfax Academy (from arrival to departure). This helps us keep all students safe in the building and helps us identify Academy students in the case of emergencies. Please remind your student to wear them while here.
Parking Passes
Reminder: If your student is driving to Academy, they need an Academy parking permit. They need a parking permit at Academy even if they have one at their base school. Parking permits are available on a first-come basis. See the forms page for the parking permit request, or come to E119 for forms or to ask questions!
 FCPS Cell Phone Policy
STUDENT PHONE POLICY DOCUMENT & GUIDELINES
High School Cell Phone Pilot Control Group
Phones are not to be used during school except for when allowed by Regulation 2601, by which high school students may use their phones during passing times and at lunch.
Every classroom will have a secure storage unit where students will deposit their phones at the start of class and then retrieve their phones at the end of class.
DAILY PROCESS
- As a student enters each classroom, they will silence their cell phones (or place in airplane mode). Smartwatches also need to be placed in silent or airplane mode. If a student brings airpods to school, these must be stored in the student’s backpack during class.
- As the student enters each classroom, they will place their phones in their backpacks.
- When class ends, students will be able to access their phones.
- For the first few weeks of the pilot, schools may have a daily schoolwide announcement first thing in the morning to remind students to silence their phones and to place phones in their backpacks as they enter each of their classrooms.
- Students may still use their phones during passing time and at lunch (but not in restrooms except in emergencies), in accordance with the SR&R.
- Students with IEPs who have an accommodation allowing access to their phones or students with a documented medical need requiring access to their phones will be allowed to have access to their phones.
VIOLATIONS
Staff Response and Discipline
- First Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated by a staff member and held until the end of the class. The phone will be secured by a staff member in the student’s classroom if the violation occurs in the classroom, or the phone will be secured in the office if the violation occurs in the hall or bathroom during class time. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the class. A parent/guardian is notified.
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Discipline: the student receives a warning and it is logged in SIS.
- Second Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the school day. A parent/guardian is notified.
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Discipline: the student receives detention and it is logged in SIS.
- Third Violation
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. A parent/guardian is notified. A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student.
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Discipline: the student receives detention, a parent/guardian conference is held, and it is logged in SIS.
- Fourth Violation (and all other subsequent violations)
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Staff Response: the phone is confiscated and given to the front office/subschool office. A parent/guardian is notified. A parent/guardian or designee must pick up the phone. The phone will not be released to the student.
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Discipline: phone privileges are lost for 20 consecutive school days and it is logged in SIS. For each of these 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.
Creative Minds, Healthy Lives: Well-being Tips from Fairfax Academy
Hello Fairfax Academy All-Star Families!
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We’re thrilled to have you join us as we embark on another year of creativity, learning, and growth. We know that the beginning of a school year can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, so we wanted to take a moment to share some helpful tips to support your well-being as you navigate this new chapter.
8 Ways to Lower Stress in High School
Starting a new school year can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, a little stress. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but there are some simple strategies you can use to help manage those feelings and set yourself up for a successful year.
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Try to Get Enough Sleep Sleep is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to ensure you’re well-rested and ready to take on the day. A consistent sleep schedule can help regulate your body’s natural rhythms and make waking up in the morning a bit easier.
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Pick a Person Having at least one trusted person you can turn to—whether it’s a friend, teacher, or family member—can make a big difference. This person can be your go-to for support, whether you need to talk about a tough day or just need someone to listen.
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Find Your People Building a supportive community is key. Whether you join a club, a sports team, or simply connect with classmates who share your interests, surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals can help you feel more connected and less isolated.
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Establish Small Rituals Creating small, daily rituals can provide a sense of stability and calm. This could be as simple as having a cup of tea before bed, journaling for a few minutes each morning, or taking a short walk after school. These rituals can act as anchors, helping you to feel grounded even when things get hectic.
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Build in a Daily Stress-Relieving Activity Find something that helps you unwind and make it a regular part of your day. Whether it’s listening to music, practicing yoga, doodling, or meditating, incorporating stress-relief into your daily routine can help keep anxiety at bay.
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Find a Physical Activity You Enjoy Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress. The key is to find something you actually enjoy doing—whether it’s dancing, swimming, cycling, or just going for a walk. Moving your body regularly can boost your mood and energy levels.
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Get Organized Organization can help you feel more in control. Use a planner or an app to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and activities. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
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Know Who You Can Go to When You’re Struggling It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through tough times alone. Whether it’s a school counselor, a trusted teacher, or a family member, knowing who you can reach out to when you’re feeling overwhelmed is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed from time to time, but by taking proactive steps, you can manage that stress and keep it from taking over. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this school year one of growth, creativity, and well-being!
Wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year and if you need anything, please reach out!
-Mr. Donald ladonald1@fcps.edu 703-219-2384
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