From the Principal's Desk

upcoming events

Upcoming Events

Sept. 6: Unite & Excite Tailgate, 4:30-6:30pm in the Field House parking lot; Home Football Game vs. Oakton, kick off at 7:00pm.

Sept. 13: Homecoming Parade, Blenheim Blvd, 4:15pm

Sept. 13: Homecoming Game vs. Centreville, 7pm

Sept. 14: Homecoming Dance, FHS Field House, 8-11pm

Sept. 18: Back to School Night! Special Sessions at 5:30pm for FLE, ML, Seniors; Classroom visits at 6:30pm

Sept. 20: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am, Library

Sept. 27: Fairfax Academy Musical Theatre Senior Spotlight Showcase, Auditorium, 7pm


Acceso de News You Choose en Español:  Haga clic aquí.


 

First March-Around of the Year!

March Around

 

 

September 6, 2024

 

Happy Friday Fairfax High Family and Friends, 

As we wrap up Week 3, I'm thrilled to share some of our incredible accomplishments and highlight the exciting events ahead.

Deca Days: A PAWSome Experience 

Deca Days was a phenomenal event, with over 450 students participating in team-building activities, strategizing new product use, and engaging in social media style challenges.  The student enthusiasm and dedication were inspiring to see!

Celebrating Attendance Awareness Month

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we're kicking off the celebration with exciting activities and initiatives. Today, we brought back the AttenDANCE Challenge. You may have seen some staff and students dancing in the commons.  Attendance Month is filled with fun ways to promote regular attendance and reward our students for their commitment to daily learning. 

UNITE and EXCITE: A Community for EVERYONE

Over 38 clubs will participate in our UNITE and EXCITE event TONIGHT.  This showcase of student engagement and diversity is a truly exciting event that promotes our rich club and activity culture here at FHS. 

Technology Update: Securly Pass System and Cell Phones 

The launch of our Securly Pass System is well underway, this new school-wide system allows students to request passes for Lion Time, restrooms, and make appointments in our building. This tool enhances our safety and security as a community.

Our students are doing an amazing job adhering to the FCPS cell phone guidelines, and we're seeing increased student focus, peer collaboration, and engagement in classes.

Band is MAKING THE BEATS

Our band brought the energy back to the halls of FHS with their marching around this am. The return of march arounds was a fantastic way to kick off the school year. And we cannot wait to see them tonight during half time. 

Fairfax Fierce Friday Nights 

We will see you tonight for the club tailgate, football frenzy, and band spectacular at HOME. 

Homecoming Week: Get Ready to Roar!

Homecoming Week kicks off on Monday, September 9 and this year's theme is channeling the energy of "Tropical Bliss." 

We've got a lineup of spirited events to get you excited:

  • Daily Themes: Dress up and show your school spirit! From Grass Skirts to Surfer Digs we are ready to have some fun. 
  • Hallway Happenings: Grade level teams will decorate their halls in the spirit of the theme. 
  • Assembly: Enjoy a fun-filled assembly that celebrates our Homecoming Court on Monday 
  • Lunchtime DJ and Games: Get your groove on and join in the fun.
  • Pump Up the PAWS: Pep rally to support fall sports and events 
  • Parade: Line the streets to watch our amazing parade on Friday
  • Tailgate: Gather with friends and family before the big game on Friday 
  • Football Game: Cheer on our team as they take the field on Friday 
  • Dance: Dance the night away on the sandy shores of the gym floor at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday 

Let's come together as a community and make this Homecoming Week one to ROAR about! 

Fairfax High School is a committed to creating a safe and inclusive community where students thrive, and achievement is always at the core. 

In partnership always,

 

Principal's Signature

 

DECA Days!

DECA days

 

Included in this issue:

 

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Calendar Reminders: Patriot Day
  • Reminders for Visiting our School
  • Safety Drills During the School Year
  • Make Every Day Count! 
  • 2024 Students Rights & Responsibilities
  • SAT Sign-up for Seniors

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Unite & Excite!
  • HoCo Spirit Week
  • Back to School Night Info
  • World Languages Credit by Exam (WLCBE)
  • Student Services Padlets & Instagram
  • Mental Health Teletherapy
  • Quick Links

Fairfax HS PTSA

  • PTSA Meeting, Sept. 17
  • No-Fuss Fundraiser
  • Join the PTSA
  • Principal's Coffee, Friday, September 20

 


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


🗓️Calendar Reminders: Patriot Day

Sept 11th

 

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 


Reminders for Visiting Our School

Please know we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously. All school visitors must enter FHS by way of “Door 1.” All school visitors will need to check in to the school visitor system in the front office before entering the school. 

When outside, visitors are not permitted to visit school buses or playgrounds or to observe students from parking lots or other areas on school campuses. 

Parents/caregivers are welcome to check in with their child's teacher via email during the first week if they are anxious about how their child is transitioning.

Fairfax High School, in conjunction with Fairfax City Police, are committed to ensuring a safe start to the school year. During daily dismissal you may see police presence in areas around the school as students walk and commute home. 


Safey Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

 

Spanish: Simulacros de Seguridad Durante el Año EscolarMantener a los estudiantes y al personal seguros es una prioridad para FCPS. Cada escuela tiene un plan de preparación de emergencia para responder a incidentes como incendios y tornados. La ley estatal requiere que las escuelas practiquen simulacros de emergencia, incluyendo simulacros de encierro, cada año. Las escuelas también están obligadas a notificar a los padres y tutores al menos 24 horas antes de que una escuela lleve a cabo un simulacro de cierre. Sin embargo, las escuelas no están obligadas a comunicar con antelación la fecha y hora concretas del simulacro.El primer simulacro de seguridad del año escolar debe realizarse dentro de los primeros 20 días de clases. Los estudiantes de Pre-K y Kindergarten están exentos de practicar el primer simulacro de seguridad.Es posible que su hijo vuelva a casa y hable de su experiencia durante el simulacro. Le recomendamos que hable con su hijo sobre la importancia de estar preparado para las emergencias. Revise estas preguntas frecuentes para apoyar a sus estudiantes antes y después de los simulacros de seguridad de la escuela.

Trabajando juntos, creamos un ambiente seguro para que los estudiantes aprendan y crezcan en nuestras escuelas.️ Conozca Nuestros Términos de Seguridad

FCPS usa terminología específica para especificar las acciones que el personal escolar y los estudiantes deben tomar para garantizar la seguridad en una variedad de situaciones. Es importante que el personal, las familias y los estudiantes entiendan lo que significan los diferentes términos y cómo afectan las operaciones escolares.

Vea este vídeo para obtener más información sobre las definiciones de los términos de seguridad: encierro; asegurar el edificio; y no moverse. 

Si los estudiantes, personal, o miembros de la comunidad tienen una preocupación de seguridad en la escuela (que no es una emergencia inmediata), deben enviar un aviso a la Línea de Seguridad de FCPS. En caso de emergencia, por favor llame al 9-1-1.

 

Korean: 학기 안전 훈련학생과 교직원의 안전을 지키는 것은 FCPS의 최우선 과제입니다. 각 학교는 화재와 토네이도와 같은 사고에 대응하기 위한 비상 대비 계획을 가지고 있습니다. 학교는 주법에 따라 매년 건물 폐쇄 훈련을 포함한 비상 훈련을 실시해야 합니다. 또한 학교는 폐쇄 훈련을 실시하기 최소 24시간 전에 학부모와 보호자에게 통지해야 합니다. 그러나 학교는 훈련의 구체적인 날짜와 시간을 미리 알려줄 의무는 없습니다. 

학년도 첫 폐쇄 훈련은 개학 후 20일 이내에 실시해야 합니다. 미취학 아동과 유치원생은 첫 번째 폐쇄 훈련에서 면제됩니다. 

자녀는 훈련 기간 동안 집에 돌아와 훈련 경험에 관해 이야기할 수 있습니다. 비상사태에 대비하는 것의 중요성에 대해 자녀와 이야기하는 것이 좋습니다. 학교 폐쇄 훈련 전후에 학생들을 지원하기 위해 자주 묻는 질문을 읽어보세요.

우리 모두가 협력하여 학생들이 학교에서 배우고 성장할 수 있는 안전한 환경을 조성합시다.

보안 용어 알아보기FCPS는 특정 용어를 사용하여 교직원과 학생이 다양한 상황에서 안전을 보장하기 위해 취해야 할 조치를 명시하고 있습니다. 교직원, 가족, 학생은 다양한 용어가 무엇을 의미하고 학교 운영에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 이해하는 것이 중요합니다.

이 비디오를 시청하여 보안 용어의 정의에 대해 자세히 알아보세요: 락다운(봉쇄), 건물 보안, 격리 및 대기. 

학생, 교직원, 지역사회 구성원이 학교에서 안전에 대한 우려(즉각적인 응급상황이 아닌 경우)가 있는 경우, FCPS 안전관련 신고센터(Safety Tipline)에 제보를 제출해야 합니다. 응급 상황에서는 9-1-1에 전화하십시오.


2024 Students Rights & Responsibilities

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

 

2024 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes

El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Lea la carta de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid a las familias sobre el SR&R. 

Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Lunes, 30 de Septiembre.


📋SAT School Day Sign up for Seniors

On Wednesday, October 9, Fairfax High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, students are asked to complete the form below by Wednesday, September 4. 

Fairfax High School: 2024 SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form  (https://forms.gle/Mqqk3pj1excj5YTa6)

Your student will need to use their @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form.

📚 Test Preparation Help!

All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparationKhan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App. Students will participate in a SAT “Digital Readiness Check” advisory lesson to ensure devices are prepared for digital testing. 


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


🏈 Unite & Excite! Tonight!

Fairfax Fence

 

September 6: UNITE & EXCITE; 4:30-6:30pm in the Field House parking lot; Home Football Game vs. Oakton kicks off at 7:00pm.

As we prepare for our football home opener tonight at 7pm, we wanted to share some important updates with you:

  • Stadium Construction: Our new concession stand and restrooms are progressing well but won't be fully completed by game time. You'll notice the construction as you enter, but rest assured it won't affect your seating or view of the game!
  • Press Box: Although temporary, the press box is operational and freshly painted in Fairfax Blue, adding a splash of team spirit to the night!
  • Ticket Sales: Due to the ongoing construction, our ticketing process will be slightly different. Tickets will be sold through etix at two windows on the front and left sides of the Ticket Booth.  For those preferring cash, we will be outside the ticket booth offering a cash-only option, allowing you to pay and enter directly. To avoid the long lines, buy your ticket early here: Football vs. Oakton Tickets | Fairfax, VA | Fairfax High School Athletics (etix.com)
  • Assistance: We will have plenty of staff on hand to help you navigate the changes and ensure a smooth entry into the stadium.
  • Middle School Families: Please Note: ALL middle school students must be accompanied by a parent.

We’re excited for a fantastic game and appreciate your patience and support. See you at the game! Go Lions! 🦁


Homecoming Spirit Week Next Week!

HoCo spirit week 2024

 

Homecoming Spirit Week is Next Week - Sep 9-13!  

  • Monday 9/9: Anything But a Backpack
  • Tuesday 9/10: Tropical Day
  • Wednesday 9/11: Duo Day
  • Thursday 9/12: Bikers vs. Surfers
  • Friday 9/13: Class Colors
    • Freshmen: Blue
    • Sophomores: White
    • Juniors: Gray
    • Seniors: Black
  • Monday 9/16: Pajama Day 

Join Us for Back to School Night, Sep. 18

BTSN 2024

 

Come Out and Roar with us on Back to School Night, Wed., Sep. 18th!

We will be hosting families to connect with our community and showcase our teachers and curriculum.

Starting at 5:30pm:

  • Senior Parent Night
  • Family Life Education (FLE) Presentation
  • AVID Signing (Advancement via Individual Determination)
  • Multi-Lingual Information Session (ML)
  • All things FAIRFAX: Clubs, Teams, School Info, in the Commons

Starting at 6:30pm

  • Classroom Visits and Teacher Introductions

Fall Registration for the World Languages Credit By Exam

What is the World Languages Credit by Exam?

The World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE) assesses linguistic proficiency in languages other than English. Linguistic proficiency is the ability to use language in real world situations in a spontaneous interaction, non-rehearsed context, and in a manner acceptable and appropriate to native speakers of the language. 

Students who take this exam may earn up to three world languages credits for levels one, two, and three for the language of the exam. The credits may fulfill the world languages requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma. In addition to earning world languages credits, students may also meet the world languages criteria for the Virginia Department of Education's Seal of Biliteracy

The exam is offered one time per school year. A student may participate in the exam two times per language, once per year, between grades 7 through 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam.

Beginning school year 2024-2025, depending on the language, students will take the computer-based Avant STAMP or the paper-pencil test. 

This year, the WLCBE is transitioning to a digital platform with a school-based testing administration. The exam will be scheduled during the school day and hosted by each school this November. Students will register through their school counselor. The WLCBE registration window for the exam is Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - Friday, October 4, 2024. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

NEW Students who wish to register for the exam must provide registration consent by returning the WLCBE Notification and Registration Form to their school counselor. 

Please see the following resources to help you during the registration process:

Students/families can inquire at wlcreditexam@fcps.edu 


Mental Health Teletherapy

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual 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

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, abanderson@fcps.edu.

Find information on our school website here: https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu/resources/student-wellness-resources


Quick Links


stay in touch

throughout the year:


Fairfax HS PTSA


Table of Contents:

  • PTSA Meeting, September 17
  • No-Fuss Fundraiser
  • Join the PTSA
  • Principal's Coffee, Friday, September 20

Join us for the First Meeting of the Year!

PTSA Meeting

Please join us at 7pm on Tuesday, September 17th in the school Library for the first PTSA meeting of the school year! 


PTSA No Fuss Fundraiser - Donate Today!

Support our FHS Students and Teachers with your generous donations! Our No-Fuss Fundraiser has a goal of $2200 to fully fund the  proposed 24-25 PTSA budget.  The Parent, Teacher, Student Association supports FHS students and teachers through financing events amd  supporting wellness, diversity, and volunteerism. The PTSA rewards academic achievement, offers student scholarships, funds classroom grants, puts on teacher appreciation events, and supports the FHS Food Bank.

We rely entirely on membership dues and donations to fund the PTSA budget, and as a 501(c)3, your donation is tax-deductible. For details on how the funds are spent, see the proposed budget HERE

PTSA Membership QR Code

Parent Teacher Student Association: Join Today!

PTSA membership

Join the PTSA today and be entered in our September 9th MEBMERSHIP RAFFLE DRAWING!!! JOIN the Parent Teacher Student Association, PTSA, to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your member dues and donations work to fund all of our activities and programs, helps keep you engaged and informed about what is happening in our school community, and provides opportunities to get involved as your availability permits. 


PTSA Membership QR Code

 

Parent/Adult: $20

Teacher/Staff: $12

FHS Student: $8


Principal's Coffee, Friday, Sept. 20

The Principal's Coffee is a long-standing tradition of casual conversation with the Principal, to hear about all things FHS! Parents, please join us for the first Principal's Coffee of the year, on Friday, September 20th at 7:30am in the school library. See you there!

Principal's Coffee

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.