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Be sure to follow us on X (@OaktonHS), and Instagram oaktonhs ! Be sure to check out our Oakton Accolades section on our website as we celebrate student achievement!
Important Dates
You can access the FCPS 2024-2025 school year calendar here.
October 2 - Candidate's Day, 12th Grade Students
October 3 - No School, Rosh Hashanah
October 4 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day (see below for more details); 2 Hr. Early Release
October 14 - No School, Staff Development Day (Indigenous Peoples Day)
October 31 - Last day of 1st Quarter; 2 Hr. Early Release; Happy Halloween
November 1 - No School, Diwali; All Saints Day; Dia de los Muertos
November 4 - Student Holiday, School Planning Day
November 5 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday
November 11 - No School, Veteran's Day
 Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
Here at Oakton High School, we honor those with disabilities and promote equal opportunities for all.
 National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
- Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
 Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
General Information
Virtual Parent Coffees
We are excited to kick off our virtual parent coffee season for the 2024-2025 school year! Our general format is that we make a small presentation on a designated topic and then open it up to questions. The presentation portion is recorded and posted on Schoology, along with the slides, so those who are unable to attend also have access. A link will be sent out via eNotify (email) the morning of the parent coffee for interested families to use. If you have ideas for parent coffee topics, please email Principal Lane at jslane@fcps.edu.
Previous material covered in parent coffees can be found on the Oakton HS Parent Schoology Page. Under materials you will find a "Parent Coffee Presentations" folder. Presentations will be organized by the month of the meeting.
October Parent Coffee Topics:
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024: 9:00am - Class of 2025 Families/Senior Year Overview
October 9 PSAT/SAT Day
October 9 we will be giving the PSAT/NMSQT to all 10th and 11th graders, no registration needed. Any 12th grader who registered prior to September 4 will have the opportunity to take the SAT. Students must be on time the day of the test. Students will not be admitted once the test has begun.
- Students will receive testing locations via their fcpsschools.net emails on October 4, 2024.
- All non-testers (to include 9th graders and seniors who did not register for the SAT), should stay home for an unscheduled day. Students have the opportunity to work on assignments and/or prepare for upcoming assignments and assessments.
- Adapted curriculum students will still attend school and have their regularly scheduled classes. If you have any questions, please reach out to your case manager.
- We will have a two hour early release on October 9 for all students who report to school. The only exception will be for students whose college board accommodations provide them with extended time that runs beyond our release time of 12:55pm.
Don’t Miss Out, Order Your Yearbook Today!
The time to purchase a yearbook is now. The 300-page book cost $67 until December 31, at which time prices increase. To reserve your copy, go to yearbookordercenter.com and use the code 4770. Each year, there are a limited number of copies available so don’t miss out.
Yearbook - Senior Ads
The yearbook is now accepting purchases of senior ads. You can get a space to write a congratulatory message to your graduating senior in varying sizes. You can design and order online at yearbookordercenter.com with order number 4770. Payment is available by credit, debit, or Paypal and orders are due by December 13th, however space is limited so make sure to order now.
Veterans Day Presentations
To honor the tradition of military family connectedness at Oakton High School, United States history teachers are seeking staff and community members who are veterans or active-duty personnel interested in speaking with students about their service experiences on Tuesday, November 12th and/or Wednesday, November 13th.
This celebration of Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to better understand the sacrifices made by veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Additionally, students benefit from learning about the military as a potential career option. School appropriate service artifacts are welcomed and encouraged.
Zoom or Google Meet options available if currently out of the area.
If you or someone you know might be interested, please complete THIS FORM and we will follow up with additional details.
🩹 Immunization Requirements
Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.
Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:
- A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
- A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.
- Provide an immunization action plan outlining your intended dates for immunization.
Find more information on immunizations.
Fall Immunization Clinic at Oakton High School
Oakton High School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on Thursday, November 7th in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at Oakton High School may participate in the clinic.
The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Find additional information for each vaccine.
If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:
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Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
- A copy of their immunization records (if available).
- A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required.
Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by Friday, November 1st, in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Lorie Jreige at ljreige@fcps.edu with any immunization questions.
Class of 2025 - Senior Portraits
Unlike grades 9-11, seniors sign up for a picture session with Victor O’Neill at a time that works for them. Our final sessions will be held in October and November.
- June 20-21; 24 (Session 1)
- August 26-28 (Session 2)
- October 15-17 (Session 3)
- November 20 (Session 4 - final opportunity)
If you have questions about senior portraits in general, please email Victor O'Neill studios at seniors@vosphoto.com. Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Oakton Class of 2025” when emailing, for faster assistance. If you have other senior portrait or scheduling questions you can email Martha Rodeheaver, Assistant Principal, at myrodeheaver@fcps.edu.
All seniors are highly encouraged to sit for photos. These photos will be used for their yearbook photo. Sitting for the photos does not obligate a family to purchase the photos once you review the proofs.
Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation
All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2024-2025 school year must attend an in-person Partners for Safe Teen Driving (PSTD). The presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card (pink card). The parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered multiple times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the
presentation at Oakton at your earliest convenience.
All PSTDs begin promptly. Late admission will not be allowed.
2024-2025 Dates:
- October 28, 2024 6:30-8:00pm
- January 21, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
- March 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
- May 19, 2025 6:30-8:00pm
These sessions are intended for Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors can attend a session through Adult and Community Education. PSTD nights are not available to freshmen.
 🗓️ Attendance Tip
Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Student Services Updates
Freshman Parent Night
Freshman Parent Night will be taking place on October 10th at 5:30pm. Join us to learn about the different ways our counselors support our students. Learn how to keep track of attendance, review our school’s resources, how to help your students find success and go over graduation requirements. A zoom link will be provided to join the presentation.
September Newsletter
Welcome Back Cougars! Check out the September Student Services’ newsletter to learn more about this year’s schedule change dates, Class of 2025 updates, College & Career Center information, testing updates, and upcoming events. The newsletter also highlights the World Language Credit by Exam registration information as well as the 2024 FCPS College Fair and Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event.
🎓 Help Your Student Prepare for the Future at College Fair and Postsecondary Nights
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m.
Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies.
Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Students may REGISTER HERE.
Schedule Changes
Please see the timeline below regarding schedule changes for the 2024-2025 school year.
- August 8 – September 6: School counselors will make requested schedule changes based on space availability.
- September 9 – November 8 (end of 1st quarter grading window): No schedule changes
- After November 12: Any student requesting a schedule change will need to fill out the schedule change request form, with permission from parent, student, teacher, school counselor, and administrator. If approved by the administration, schedule changes will only be processed if there is space available.
- After March 28: There will not be any schedule changes, regardless of space availability. This date aligns with the last day of the 3rd Quarter.
Testing Updates & Information
AP Exam Registration for Non-enrolled Students
If any student wants to take an AP exam in a course that he/she is not enrolled in, registration is now open. Each exam costs $99. You can use this google form to register. Students currently enrolled in an AP course at OHS are automatically registered for the corresponding AP exam and do not need to complete any additional form. The deadline to register is October 20th. Payment can be submitted through My School Bucks or check made out to Oakton High School. Payment is required before the exam space will be reserved.
My School Bucks Link
Other AP related information can be found in our AP Testing FAQs on the Oakton website. If you have any other questions about AP testing in general, please contact AP Coordinator Kim Stewart at kastewart@fcps.edu.
🌍 Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. Please note that October 3 is a holiday for all FCPS employees. October 4 is a teacher workday and student holiday.
Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.
SAT Information
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Oakton 12th 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.
Please visit our PSAT/SAT page to reserve a seat for your 12th grader to take this exam. the deadline to register for the SAT was Wednesday, September 4.
PSAT Information
On October 9, 2024, Oakton will offer the digital PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10-11. Students who wish to test with accommodations can learn more about the process and requirements on our PSAT/SAT page.
College Board Testing/Accommodations
Oakton will be administering the PSAT/NMSQT to 10th and 11th graders and the SAT to 12th graders on October 9, 2024. Read here for more details and information on how to apply for accommodations if interested. The deadline to apply for accommodations for these exams was August 5, 2024.
Health and Wellness Updates
Scoliosis Fact Sheet
To meet the Code of Virginia 22.1-273.1 and FCPS Regulation 2103 for the provision of parent educational information on scoliosis.
The Scoliosis Fact Sheet and translations are available on the Scoliosis Fact Sheet page.
Emergency Resources
Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077
Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511
Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000
INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560
Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711
Life Threatening 911
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide them with 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. [Find contact information for Oakton staff on this webpage.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Strives to Become Purple Star School Division
- Sign and Return SR&R
- Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
PTSA Updates
Thank you, Dear Parents, for your support for The Monthly Teachers and Staff Breakfast! Your efforts are truly appreciated. The next Monthly Breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024. Thank you for supporting the PTSA and our wonderful school faculty and staff!
Congratulations!! to our 79 National Merit awardees and their parents! You make us proud! The Oakton PTSA will be participating in the National Merit Reception by sponsoring Donuts, coffee and crumble cookies! Way to go Cougars!
The Oakton PTSA Mini-Grants is here! Grant requests should provide a beneficial impact to a wide range of students and a long-term/sustainable benefit to the school. Priority consideration is given to items not already available at school and that are not readily obtained through direct donation from other sources. Grants work in the form of reimbursement. The grantees need to pay out-of-pocket first, then submit for reimbursement with the PTSA. The reimbursement request needs to be submitted to PTSA no later than 5/31/2025.
Requirements:
1) Applicants must be a teacher or represent a club at Oakton HS.
2) Applicants must also be Oakton PTSA Members.
Application deadline: October 31, 2024
Award announcement: Week of November 11, 2024
The reimbursement request needs to be submitted to PTSA: no later than 5/31/2025
Apply here: https://forms.gle/tgzLcoNnoQfboQj57
Stay Connected
Follow ' oaktonhs_ptsa' on Instagram to keep abreast of what's happening at the PTSA. Become a member, Join the mailing list and/or donate to the PTSA at PTBoard - Oakton High School PTSA.
Want to be part of PTSA? We are looking for an ANGP Chair (All Night Grad Party), Webmaster, Business Chair, Hospitality Chair and Treasurer. Email us at oaktonhsptsa@gmail.com.
Parent Resources
Parent Information Line
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.
Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a wide variety of information and resources to support the success of all students. This includes monthly workshops and webinars. More information can be found on the FCPS website, including registration information.
FCPS Cares
Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS 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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