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Upcoming Events
October 14: Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples’ Day), Staff Development Day
October 15: PTSA meeting ,7pm, Library
October 15: All-Night Grad meeting, 8pm, Library
October 15: City of Fairfax School Bond Referendum Info Night, 6:30pm @ Daniels Run ES
October 17: Multilingual Community Dinner, 6pm
October 24: Band & Orchestra Masquerade Concert, 7pm, Auditorium
October 26: Fairfax City Band Concert, 7:30pm, Auditorium, Tickets Required
October 26: FHS Class of 1974, 50th Reunion, 6pm
October 31: End of First Qtr., 2HR Early Release
November 1: School Holiday (Diwali)
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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 Honoring our Military Families at the Game!
 Photo Credit: FHS Athletics
At Thursday night's football game, we recognized our military-connected families in sincere appreciation for their service. For the coin toss, the FHS Varsity Football captains were joined by United States Air Force Brigadier General Jim Hartle, United States Army National Guard Matt Smith, United States Army veteran Wilton Crouch, and United States Army veteran Zack Johnson. Thank you to all current members and veterans of the United States military and their families for your sacrifices and your service.
Our New Concession Stand is Officially OPEN!
 Photo Credit: City of Fairfax Schools
Before Thursday night's football game, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for our new bathrooms and concession stands at the top of the stadium! On hand for the ceremony were City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent, Jeff Platenberg, Asst. Superintendent, Dan Phillips, City School Board members Rachel McQuillen, Stacy Hall, Carolyn Pitches, Amit Hickman, Sarah Kelsey, and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. Thank you, Fairfax City Schools!!
October 11, 2024
Greetings Fairfax Family and Friends,
It has been an action-packed week of PAWSomeness here at Fairfax! We administered the PSAT to over 1200 of our LIONS. Over 350 members of the Class of 2025 and also the SAT to over 350 of our SENIORS. Our students were focused on assessment and discussions around what's next after high school. We also hosted our Annual Multi-Lingual Career Day at the school and provided a variety of opportunities for our Fairfax students. This event featured 20 local vendors, a resume writing workshop, an FHS alumni panel, and an opportunity to enjoy police and fire simulations. We also highlighted motivation messages from guest speakers that included Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent, Jeff Platenburg, City Schools Superintendent, Mayor Catherine Read, and Dr. Ponce, Chief of Schools.
Last night, we were delighted to cut the ribbon of our new concession stand alongside the City School Board and our students. Senior Night for the FHS Marching Band was super sweet with our friends from KJMS and Woodson joining in for a special performance of the National Anthem. We also hosted FHS Military Night as our parents took to the field for a spirited coin toss and stadium recognition. The energy was contagious for this FHS victory.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENT: The ROAR ROUND UP 🦁
Fairfax High School is excited to welcome back mini-Parent/Teacher Conferences. The ROAR Round Up will be hosted on Monday,
November 4, from 8:30 am-11:30 am.
- The field house will be set up with rows of tables, organized by department, with teachers sitting in alphabetical order within each department. They will have signs above their heads so you know who's who.
- Doors to the field house will not open early. The field house lobby, however, will be open around 8:15 and light refreshments will be provided by the PTSA.
- Bring a copy of your child's schedule or have a list of teacher names from your student. If you forget, copies of student schedules will be available, but bringing your own will result in one less line in which you need to stand. You can chat with the teachers in any order, you do not have to follow your child's schedule.
- Lines form in front of each teacher, when it is your turn, step forward and sit down. You will have 4-6 minutes to chat with the teacher. If you request a longer conference, it may be better to work with the teacher or counselor to schedule an appointment for a different time.
The teacher will have your child's current grade report as a reference. You can ask if any assignments are missing. You can ask if homework is being turned in on time. You can ask about test corrections, retakes, support, etc. You can learn if your child is taking advantage of these policies to improve their grade. If your child is struggling in class, you can ask if they have gone to the teacher's classroom during Lion Time or stayed after school to get help during coach class or the learning lounge. You can also ask if there is anything you can do to support your student.
How long will it take? It depends on how many other parents are there to see the same teachers as you. If you are the only one in line to see your child's 7 teachers, you could be done in 20-30 minutes. You can come within any time during the 8:30-11:30 window.
In partnership,
Our Multilingual Career Fair was a Big Success!
This past Wednesday, FHS hosted a Multilingual Career Fair to offer our Multilingual students an opportunity to investigate and explore current and post-secondary options through local area businesses, sponsored by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. The fair promoted higher education by offering discussions with NOVA and George Mason University, allowed the opportunity to meet and greet the five branches of the US military, the local FCPS Firemen/Firewomen and the FCPS Police Force. Students also had the privilege to hear from former FHS multilingual students in a panel discussion in reference to their challenges and successes and/or attend a resume writing workshop. Guest speakers included Dr. Reid and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read.
Included in this issue:
Calendar Reminders:
- Yom Kippur, Oct. 11
- Indigenous People's Day, Oct. 14
- Ombuds Day, Oct. 10
Fairfax Lions Need to Know:
- Fairfax City Schools Community Engagement Night, Oct. 15., 6:30pm
- Safeway Immunization Clinics, Oct. 12 and 28
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
- Ms. Faz is filling in for Mr. Plancich
- The Power of School Lunches - X Marks the Tray!
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
- Marching Lions Competition Results
- N.A.P.S. - Notetaking skills for AP Students
- MAP Testing Begins October 15
- Family Dinner for our Multilingual Community
- 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Night, Oct. 23, 7pm, Auditorium
- MySchoolBucks Directions
- District News: In Case You Missed It
- Quick Links
Fairfax HS PTSA
- ANG - Call for Volunteers!
- Join or Donate Today!
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
🗓️Calendar Reminders
Yom Kippur/Evening-Only Observance Day
Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Staff Development Day
Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day celebrates the diversity of Indigenous people and their contributions to American history and culture.
See the complete school year calendar.
Ombuds Day
Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to 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, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
City of Fairfax Schools:
Community Engagement Night
Join the City of Fairfax on Tuesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Daniels Run ES for an informational night about the school bond referendum on the November ballot. City residents can ask questions and learn more about the school facility needs. For more information, please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/.
🩺 Immunization Clinics
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Elementary School Clinics
The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
Middle and High School Clinics
FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.
Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
🎤 Nuestras Escuelas, Nuestro Futuro: ¡Inscríbete hoy para asistir a una Conversación Comunitaria!
La Superintendente, Dra. Michelle Reid, tendra una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias este otoño. Ella le invita a compartir sus pensamientos y hacer preguntas. Haga clic en las fechas a continuación para inscribirse en cualquiera de las siguientes conversaciones:
Los eventos serán de 6:30 a 7:30 p.m. Habrá servicio de cuidado de niños e interpretación de idiomas.
Ms. Faz is here to help!
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Assistant Principal Brian Plancich will be on leave for most of October. In his absence, his alpha (E-K) will be handled by our Resource Teacher, Maria Faz. She can be reached at 703-219-2276, or mdfaz@fcps.edu. |
🍱 Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
Next week is National School Lunch Week, and FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, student-focused, and culturally inclusive meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
X Marks the Tray
Students can participate in X Marks the Tray on Wednesday, October 16. Lucky students at each school will find a sticker on a hot entree container. They can redeem it for a whole grain sweet treat with their meal!
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New Printable Menus
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus available.
Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:
🦁🎶🎺🥁Marching Lions are Champions once again! And Celebrated Senior Night
 Photo Credit: FHS Athletics
Congrats to our Marching Band Seniors!
On Saturday, October 5, the Marching Lions competed at VMBC South County and, once again, came home champions! For the second competition in a row - they swept their group winning best percussion, best color guard, best music, best visual, and best general effect. They led the school spirit this week with a march-around at the end of the day on Thursday, and then at Thursday night's home game against Woodson, where they performed their show, "Rise & Fall: The Myth of Sisyphus." Their next competition will be at VMBC Oakton on October 19. Congrats, Marching Lions!!
Notetaking Sessions for 9th & 10th Graders
Starting next week, FHS will begin offering targeted note-taking guidance sessions after school on Wednesdays for 9th and 10th grade students enrolled in AP HUG, AP World History, and AP Seminar/Eng10HN. Please see the flyer here: NAPS Flyer.pdf.
What: N.A.P.S. = Notetaking for Advanced Placement Students
When: October 16 & 23, from 3:00-4:00pm
Where: Room E-126; Please complete the Online Form to attend
These sessions will emphasize how to push past guided notes and will provide strategies for taking notes successfully from reading texts and from listening to lectures or discussions.
While the sessions might have a social studies slant for now, they are earmarked for our 9th and 10th graders taking all the classes listed above. The goal is to hit some reading skills, note-taking skills, and academic listening skills that can help them build their foundation for advanced academics going forward.
Students can fill out this Google Form to sign up to attend. If they have questions, they can see Mr. Lavery in E126.
📝 MAP Testing Begins October 15
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth Math and Reading assessments are used in FCPS as a screening and growth tool in middle and high schools to help teachers understand students' strengths and areas for support. MAP Growth assessments help teachers monitor the growth of every student in learning the content knowledge and skills of the state standards, regardless of their starting point.
For More Information"
https://www.fcps.edu/map-growth-test-information
Family Dinner for our Multilingual Community
Our FHS ESOL Department in conjunction with our Family Engagement Center is excited to host a Family Dinner and Information Night for our multilingual families. All family members (students, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) in the household are invited to attend. If you are able to attend, please fill out this Google Form, or scan the QR code above, by Tuesday, October 15, to let us know how many people will be attending. We look forward to seeing you there!
Who? All family members in our multilingual community
When? Thursday, October 17th at 6 PM
Where? FHS Cafeteria
Why? To enjoy a nice meal together and meet our ESOL department and learn about FHS classes (graduation requirements, grades, & attendance), WIDA testing, and resources available to our ML community.
Sponsored by the FHS ESOL Department and Family Engagement Center
9th Grade Parent/Guardian Night
Parents/Guardian of the Class of 2028!
Please plan to join us for a night of information designed just for you!
Wednesday, Oct. 23
530-5:45pm - Checkout some school sponsored tables, grab a snack, and find a good seat for the presentation
5:45-7:00pm - Learn more about the Class of 2028, diploma options to support academic planning, academic support opportunities, and substance abuse trends and strategies for prevention. Plus, enjoy the opportunity to ask questions to knowledgeable FHS staff members.
- General Audience in the Library
- Spanish Speaking Families in the MPR
- Arabic Speaking Families in the Cafeteria
Supervised childcare will be available.
Spanish and Arabic language presentations will be provided in addition to the General Audience presentation.
Questions? Contact Transition Counselor Laura Kaniewski, lekaniewski@fcps.edu.
MySchoolBucks Directions
Instructions for using My SchoolBucks online (if using the mobile app, instructions are the same but location of links will be different than shown here):
1. Go to myschoolbucks.com.
2. Click the Log In button in the top right corner of the screen.
3a. If you have an existing account, enter your user name and password.
3b. To create a new account, select “Register Now”. Students, DO NOT use your school email address. You must use a personal email address (@gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.).
4. Once you have successfully logged in, select “My Students” using the user control panel icon. |
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5. If your student's information is not shown, click "Add Student."
6. Enter student information as instructed and select “Add Student” when done. Repeat if you need to add more than one student. *Student name must match record in SIS exactly (including hyphenated last names).
7. Once the student information has been applied to your account you will be able to pay invoices for class fees and make purchases from the School Store using ACH, credit or debit card.
8. Invoices folder & School Store--Class fees are the only fee that will show in your invoices folder, everything else will be accessed by shopping in the school store.
If you have questions or need help with MSB, please contact our Finance Specialist, Melissa Courtney, at macourtney@fcps.edu or 703-219-2215.
District News - In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week - October 9, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Learn About Lexia for Literacy
- Schools Win Exemplar Awards
- Upcoming Community Conversations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Quick Links
throughout the year:
Fairfax HS PTSA
Table of Contents:
- ANG - Volunteers Needed!
- Join or Donate Today!
- No-Fuss Fundraiser
All-Night Grad
The All-Night Grad Committee is planning its first big fundraiser - selling concessions at the 2024 City of Fairfax Holiday Craft Show, coming up on November 16-17. This big event, hosted annually at FHS, is very popular and draws large crowds so we sell a lot of concessions! It is BUSY and we have the potential to make a lot of money in one weekend!
The parent who ran this event last year is returning and needs 2 or 3 other adults to help with the planning and to attend most of the weekend. Please send a note to ang@fairfaxptsa.org if you can help! We will recruit a lot of parents and students to take shifts that weekend- If you or your student would like to just sign up to donate or take a shift, you can here:
We look forward to raising a lot of money for the Class of ‘25 All Night Graduation Celebration to make it as fun and affordable as possible!
JOIN OR DONATE TODAY!
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JOIN the PTSA to support our FHS teachers, students and community! Your member dues and donations work to fund all of our activities and programs, help keep you engaged and informed about what is happening in our school community and provide opportunities to get involved if your time permits.
Parent/Adult: $20, Teacher/Staff: $12, FHS Student: $8.
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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 and 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. |
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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. |
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